Virginia officials recognized AMPEL BioSolutions today for their dedication to identifying, training, and retaining STEM-trained workers, especially in the area of precision medicine.
The annual Virginia Talent + Opportunity (V-TOP) award is given on National Intern Day to employers who provide work-based learning opportunities, particularly to interns, who are essential to Virginia's economy and play a crucial role in developing the necessary skills for career success, as stated by Kirk Cox, President of VA Bus Higher Ed Council. Internships are the foundation for workforce development.
"AMPEL BioSolution's mission has been greatly enhanced by our internship program. The influx of brilliant young people, whose thinking is unfettered by standard paradigms, has greatly enriched our company culture and resulted in many new and important advances," said Dr. Amrie Grammer, Co-Founder & President, who represented AMPEL at an event hosted by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. "AMPEL is proud of our current and former interns, many of whom have developed a career path at AMPEL or gone on to graduate, medical, business, or law school."
Today, interns Jenine Hamdan, James Plummer, Julianna Hitchcock, and V. Addison Cox were joined by mentors and staff (Dr. Kate Owen, Ian Rector, Dr. Andrea Daamen, Sophia Kerns, Kevin Finn, and Yingqi Wen) in Richmond (RVA) for the celebration with Labor Secretary Bryan Slater, Peter Blake, and Kirk Cox.
July 27, 2023 - RICHMOND — The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) today recognized 100 recipients of the 2023 Top Virginia Employers for Interns Awards.
The annual award recognizes Virginia employers who provide high-quality internships to students. Some of the noteworthy efforts of employers include exposure to senior leaders, structured mentorship programs, housing allowances, paid time off, security clearances and training for industry certifications.
“All the award winners demonstrate a commitment to meaningful internships,” said Peter Blake, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia director. “High-quality internships enhance a student’s educational experience and strengthen our workforce.”
The Top Employers for Interns Awards mark one of several ways the Commonwealth celebrates Virginia Intern Day when employers, students, colleges and universities are recognized for their participation in work-based learning opportunities. Governor Youngkin signed a proclamation recognizing Virginia Intern Day on July 27, 2023, aligning it with National Intern Day. In addition, a video was created to recognize the award winners.
“I have the privilege of advocating for Virginia businesses and I want to acknowledge those employers providing internship opportunities here in Virginia,” said Barry DuVal, president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “The 100 recipients represent a distinguished group of employers that help cultivate talent here in Virginia for the betterment of its students, regions and the commonwealth as a whole.”
“To the 2023 Top Employers for Interns, not only are you the backbone of Virginia’s economy but you have the pulse of the changing skills necessary for career success,” said Kirk Cox, president of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council.
V-TOP is administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in partnership with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. It is funded by the General Assembly’s Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program.