Internship, Community Engagement (Summer 2026) at Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce (W&L CBL)

This is a summer 2026 internship opportunity based in Lexington. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and positions are open until filled or May 22, 2026. To apply, attach a resume and cover letter here in Handshake.

Position – Community Engagement Intern

• Location: Lexington, VA
• Duration: June 8, 2026 - July 24, 2026 (7 weeks)
• Hours: Approximately 25 hours per week 

About The Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce

The Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to champion social and economic progress for our community. Our vision is to be your community resource. We are organized to achieve the following objectives: a) Promote business and community growth and development with economic programs that will strengthen and expand the income potential of all businesses within the trade area; b) Preserve the competitive enterprise system of business; c) Create an appreciation for the importance of the business person and a better understanding of his or her problems; d) Promote programs of a civic, social, and cultural nature that will enhance the quality of life for our citizens. Learn more about the Chamber here: https://www.lexrockchamber.com/ 

Internship Overview

This internship provides practical experience in event planning, community outreach, membership engagement, and communications within a dynamic organization.

The intern will work closely with the Membership Coordinator to support member engagement initiatives, including enhancing online member profiles, promoting member benefits, and increasing participation in Chamber programs. The intern will also collaborate with the Communications Director on key efforts, such as managing social media platforms and contributing to the redesign and content updates of the Chamber’s website.

In addition, the intern will play an active role in supporting the Chamber’s summer events, including the Freedom Food Festival, Business After Hours, First Friday Summer Speakers, Coffee and Conversations, and other special programs. The intern will also assist with the planning and preparation efforts for VA250 in partnership with Natural Bridge State Park.

Project Outcomes Include: 

• Member Engagement: Updated and optimized business profiles, increased member participation, and increased benefits card usage. 
• Events: Successfully planned and executed events that enhance member engagement, attendance, and overall satisfaction.
• Social Media: Achieved a minimum 5% increase in social media engagement, growth in followers, and connections with 100% of Chamber members across platforms.
• Website Redesign: Improved website content, writing, design, and layout to create a more engaging, user-friendly, and modern online presence for the organization.

Qualifications

• Essential Skills: Must enjoy teamwork, be comfortable communicating with new people, have knowledge of social media, basic knowledge of programs like Microsoft Word and Canva, be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently, have a passion or interest in learning about the community
• Desired Skills: Experience in design and marketing, interest and experience in event planning, creativity, flexibility, adaptability, and an outgoing personality

Internship Structure

This internship is part of the Office of Community-Based Learning’s (CBL) internship program. As an intern, you will receive ongoing support from CBL staff and your on-site supervisor. You will also participate in weekly cohort meetings for training and reflection.

Students are encouraged to apply for summer funding through the Career and Professional Development Office (applications due January, March, and April) and the Johnson Opportunity Grant (applications due January or March). Please note that funding is limited and not guaranteed. Subsequent need-based funding is available through the Community-Based Learning office upon request. This internship qualifies for EXP credit (CPD 451) through the CPD office. Sign up for the CPD Canvas Course (go.wlu.edu/Canvas) to receive alerts regarding summer funding and course credit.  

For questions, please email Bethany Ozorak, Associate Director of Community-Based Learning (bozorak@wlu.edu) or Prof. Sascha Goluboff, Director of Community-Based Learning (goluboffs@wlu.edu).