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Highlander Works

Highlander Works Grant Program for Internships and Work-Based Learning

The Highlander Works Grant Program for Internships and Work-Based Learning offers undergraduate students an opportunity to apply for funding to help reduce the financial barriers associated with internships and work-based learning opportunities, including practica, co-ops, field placements, clinicals, etc. 

Applications for Summer 2026 are now open. The submission deadline is April 24.

Highlander Works Grant Program Application

The Highlander Works Grant Program is available for students enrolled at Radford University, taking a credit-bearing internship or work-based learning experience, and is open to all undergraduate majors. Requests can be funded in part or in full. Internships or work-based learning opportunities can be domestic or international.

Eligibility

Degree-seeking undergraduate students currently enrolled full-time at Radford University with at least a 2.0 GPA are eligible to apply, with priority given to students pursuing their first internship or work-based learning opportunity at the college level. To apply for funding, students are required to receive academic credit for their internship or work-based learning opportunity. The course must be completed during the same semester as the internship or work-based learning opportunity. 

Students are required to register in an internship or work-based learning course for academic credit and complete the following:

  • Application
  • Budget Form
  • Faculty Recommendation
  • Employer Verification
  • Complete required institutional documents such as the RUICEA workflow, Field Experience Placement Policy, or clinical placement documents. 
  • International students must contact Adam Russell, International Student & Scholar Services Coordinator, at azrussell@radford.edu, prior to beginning the internship. 
  • Students with internships abroad must contact Zoe Thornhill, Education Abroad Coordinator, at zthornhill1@radford.edu, prior to beginning the internship.
  • Internship or Work-Based Learning Reflection (Submit the form at the conclusion of the internship or work-based learning experience.)

If you have any questions, please email Debbie Fenderson dfenderson@radford.edu.

NACE Internship Definition

“An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent." 

If the following criteria are followed, it is the opinion of NACE that the experience can be considered a legitimate internship:

  1. The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.
  2. The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.
  3. The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
  4. There are clearly defined learning objectives/goals related to the professional goals of the student’s academic coursework.
  5. There is supervision by a professional with expertise and educational and/or professional background in the field of the experience.
  6. There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.
  7. There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support learning objectives/goals.

 

 

 

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