Loudoun Credit Union Supports Launching Loudoun Education Foundation's Workforce Development Fund
The Town of Leesburg serves as the pilot host for a summer internship program supported by the inaugural donor Loudoun Credit Union.
LEESBURG, Va., July 17, 2025 — The Loudoun Education Foundation recently launched its Workforce Development Fund to help connect Loudoun County Public Schools students to future careers, including defraying costs for employers to pay summer interns on the job. The fund’s inaugural donation was made by the Loudoun Credit Union, which will support the Town of Leesburg in hosting four summer interns.
The impetus for the LEF Workforce Development Fund was the LCPS Workforce Summit in October 2024, according to Loudoun Education Foundation Executive Director Danielle Nadler.
The nearly 300 business leaders who gathered for the summit were asked about their workforce needs and how they can partner with the schools to help prepare students for future careers. Representatives from local government entities and small businesses shared that they would be willing to provide students with internships, but cannot afford to pay them.
“That feedback sparked an idea: we could create a workforce development fund and invite companies to donate to help cover the hourly pay for high school students to serve as interns for small businesses and local government organizations,” Nadler explained. “We thank Loudoun Credit Union for being the first to support this initiative. Together, we are creating equitable opportunities for every student to build skills, confidence, and professional networks.”
Loudoun Credit Union CEO Michael Falvey noted the alignment between the program’s goals and the credit union’s mission, as it prepares to relocate its flagship branch to historic downtown Leesburg later this year.
“As a credit union that serves all of Loudoun County, we embrace the responsibility to invest in the success of the next generation,” Falvey said. “Supporting our friends at LEF and the Town of Leesburg reflects our commitment to helping students graduate career-ready and prepared to build financially sustaining futures.”
The Loudoun Credit Union’s support of the LEF Workforce Development Fund also funded the “Tools for Success” scholarships earlier this spring, which empower graduating high school students in skilled trades to defray the costs of tools and training to enter the workforce.
The LEF Workforce Development Fund supported paid positions for five interns this summer: one at the Loudoun Education Foundation and four working for the Town of Leesburg. Between July 13 and August 8, the four interns are working with the Town’s Human Resources, Economic Development, and Community Development departments.
“Leesburg is proud to be the first site for the LEF Workforce Development Fund pilot,” stated Economic Development Director Russell Seymour. “This program will assist in providing talented young minds with real, hands-on experience. Innovative programs like this strengthen our local economy and nurture a future workforce that reflects both the needs of our local business community and the potential of Loudoun County.”
The LEF Workforce Development Fund is part of a broader classrooms-to-careers initiative in Loudoun County Public Schools, which focuses on developing both college-bound and career-ready students.
Dr. Michael Grubbs, Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education for LCPS, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in supporting local students, businesses, government and nonprofits.
“This funding supported the Town of Leesburg to participate in a brand new LCPS initiative, The Loudoun Summer J.U.M.P (Jobs, Upskilling, Mentorship, and Placement) Ahead program. Initiated by CTE and Kristina Lee, Coordinator for Work-Based Learning, supports increased opportunities for Loudoun’s youth aged 16 and above to gain meaningful work experiences. The Town of Leesburg was one participant that signed on to host students; without funding, they may not have participated. The program builds pathways into industries that help Loudoun thrive, and helps inspire students to pursue future careers they may never have considered,” he explained. “Employers across our region are eager to find career-ready graduates, and collaborations like the LEF Workforce Development Fund are closing opportunity gaps for everyone.”
Businesses interested in hosting student interns this summer or in future years can learn more at www.lcps.org/CTAE.
About Loudoun Education Foundation
The Loudoun Education Foundation supports innovative programs that strengthen public education in Loudoun County. From early literacy to workforce readiness, LEF invests in initiatives that inspire learning and prepare students for success.
About Loudoun County Public Schools Career and Technical Education
LCPS Career and Technical Education connects students with meaningful pathways to develop skills, earn credentials, and prepare for college and careers in a rapidly changing economy.