Description

Join us September 24th, 2026 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM for an informative virtual session brought to you by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association Foundation

Struggling to Build Your Bench? VRLTA's Verified Internship Program Might Be the Answer.

Every VRLTA member - restaurant, hotel, or travel business - is fighting the same battle: finding and keeping good people. The Verified Internship Program (VIP) turns that challenge into a pipeline. It's a simple framework for building paid internships that develop real talent, connect you with Virginia students looking for internships, and give you a structured way to bring rising professionals straight from the classroom into your business.

Join us September 24 to see how it works - free for members, quick to apply for, and open to any VRLTA business regardless of sector. Whether you're planning for next summer or a fall/spring semester, now's the time to get started. 

We'll cover:

• What VIP status actually gets you (recognition, promotion as a VIP business, and a direct line to Virginia students seeking internships - not just a checklist)
• How little it takes to get verified, and how we'll help you apply live during the session
• How to build an internship program from scratch if you don't have one yet
• Straight answers to the questions and hesitations that came up the first time around

If you've got any interest in interns, hiring, or growing your own future leaders, this is built for you.

VRLTA's Verified Internship Program (VIP)

Featured Speaker: Dr. Jai Girard Director of Education & Workforce Development, VRLTA

Dr. Jai Girard serves as Director of Education and Workforce Development for the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association Foundation, where she leads statewide initiatives focused on workforce development, career and technical education, registered apprenticeship, work-based learning, and industry engagement. She also serves as Virginia’s ProStart® Coordinator, working with educators, employers, and workforce partners to strengthen hospitality career pathways and expand opportunities for students and emerging professionals. Dr. Girard earned her Ph.D. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University, where her research examined consumer behavior and sustainability within hospitality and tourism. Her work focuses on building innovative partnerships between education and industry, developing scalable workforce solutions, and creating meaningful pathways that connect students and job seekers with careers in hospitality and tourism.

Registration closes September 21st at 5:00 PM