Chesterfield's Decades-Old Internship Program Nurtures Future Public Servants

TL;DR: Chesterfield County's internship program, operating for over 30 years, has hired 20 former interns as full-time employees and recently earned statewide Top Employer recognition.

The story

Chesterfield County's internship program has operated for more than three decades, establishing itself as a cornerstone of workforce development by systematically nurturing talent from students into permanent county positions.

Since 2014, the program has hired 20 former interns as full-time county employees across various departments, averaging about two hires per year (with a pause in 2020-21). For summer 2027, the county is funding 15 intern positions. The 10-week summer program invites college students to gain hands-on experience within their assigned county departments while receiving mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development.

The program's recognition extends statewide. In 2026, Chesterfield earned Internships Virginia Top Employer status from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, acknowledging employers who provide high-quality internship experiences. The county's Application process requires departments to submit internship proposals; the first 15 meeting quality standards receive funding. Selected departments must commit to providing meaningful, well-defined projects, workspace, equipment, supervision, and a structured learning environment.

During the 2026 summer session, 16 interns were selected from approximately 700 applicants to work across 14 county departments. Among them, Kimberly Gonzalez of the University of Virginia worked with Economic Development supporting small Hispanic businesses; Iceon Hogan of Virginia State University interned in the Sheriff's Office Community Outreach branch; and Lia Deasy of Virginia Commonwealth University contributed to regional planning and GIS projects. The 2026 intern class was recognized by the Board of Supervisors in July 2026 for their contributions.

Human Resources will begin advertising 2027 summer positions in January 2027. County Administrator Kevin Catlin described the program as creating "a pathway" for the next generation to envision careers in public service.

Key players

• Chesterfield County Department of Human Resources: Sponsor and administrator of the internship program
• Virginia Economic Development Partnership: Awarded Chesterfield 2026 Internships Virginia Top Employer status
• Kevin Catlin: County Administrator; emphasized program's role in creating pathways to public service careers

Key dates

• January 2027: Chesterfield County Human Resources will begin advertising 2027 summer internship positions
• July 2026: Board of Supervisors recognized 2026 summer intern class

Why it matters: The program demonstrates how local government can invest in early talent development, building a pipeline of qualified, civically engaged employees while giving students practical experience in public service. This helps Chesterfield retain institutional knowledge and develop committed employees across all departments.

Related links

• Chesterfield County Internship Program
• Chesterfield County Human Resources Department
• Contact HR about internships

Read the original at Chesterfield on Point →

Sources

• Chesterfield County Civic Alert (main source)
• Chesterfield County Internship Program
• Chesterfield County Interns United in Passion for Public Service