Reimagining internships through university-industry partnerships at James Madison University

James Madison University’s Reimagined Internship programme showcases a fresh approach to work-based learning by pairing design thinking with meaningful employer collaboration. Developed through JMU X-Labs and aligned with the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership, the initiative brings together students from diverse disciplines to solve real-world business challenges. Through structured courses, hands-on projects and paid internships, students gain practical skills while employers benefit from new perspectives and tangible innovations that enhance their operations.

The model not only delivers immediate value but also strengthens regional economic development. Employers across the Shenandoah Valley now access better-prepared talent, and students build deeper connections with local businesses — resulting in 40% of participants securing jobs in Virginia after graduation. By linking curriculum, applied learning and partnership development, JMU demonstrates how reimagined internships can create mutually reinforcing benefits for students, industry, and regions.

This case study was presented by Patrice Ludwig, Interim Assistant Vice President for Research & Innovation at James Madison University, and Keith Holland, Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development at James Madison University, during the 2025 UIIN Conference that took place in Amsterdam, Netherlands.