Chatham Hall Partners with Local Businesses for First-Ever Internship Collaborative During January Term

This January, January Term, more affectionately known as Jan Term, brought a new opportunity for Chatham Hall students. The School launched its first-ever Internship Collaborative, inviting 27 juniors and seniors to step beyond the classroom and into professional environments across the Chatham and Danville areas. Through partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations, students engaged in hands-on experiences that expanded their learning in meaningful ways.

Jan Term has long been a signature part of the Chatham Hall experience, offering immersive, hands-on learning that encourages curiosity, independence, and growth. This year, the addition of internships built on that tradition by connecting students with real workplaces where they could explore career interests, develop professional skills, and gain a clearer sense of life beyond Chatham Hall.

Students were hosted by a wide range of organizations, including Animal Medical Center, Chatham Veterinary, Boxwood Cottage, Chatham Hall’s Advancement and Enrollment offices, Chatham Elementary School, the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research across its Advanced Learning, Public Relations and Communications, and Research divisions, Kegerreis Digital Marketing, the Town of Chatham Mayor’s Office, the Pittsylvania County Clerk of Court, the Pittsylvania County Library, and Third Chance Housing. Together, these partners welcomed students into workplaces across the region and into experiences that were both practical and eye-opening.

For many students, the experience offered clarity and confidence as they began to imagine possible academic and professional paths.

“I think some work experience will benefit me and help me understand what I want to do in the future,” shared Madeline I. ’27.

Working alongside mentors, students observed leadership in action and gained insight into the daily rhythms of professional life. They learned what it means to show up prepared, manage time responsibly, communicate clearly, and adapt to new environments.

“I enjoy working and learning about things I am interested in, and this internship gave me that opportunity,” said Insley A. ’27.

Beyond skill-building, the internships emphasized connection to the local community and reflection on the work happening throughout the region. Students were encouraged to think critically about their experiences and consider how their interests, strengths, and values align with future goals.

“I hope to develop more skills and knowledge while understanding what it is like to work in a professional setting,” said Sophia S. ’27.

The success of the Internship Collaborative was made possible by the generosity and commitment of community partners who welcomed Chatham Hall students into their workplaces and invested time and mentorship in their growth. These partnerships reflect a shared belief in experiential learning and in preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

This inaugural program marks an important step in Chatham Hall’s continued commitment to experiential and mission-aligned education. By connecting academic exploration with real-world application, the Internship Collaborative helps prepare students to move beyond Chatham Hall with confidence, curiosity, and purpose.

We are deeply grateful to our community partners for their collaboration and to our students for embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and professionalism. Jan Term continues to be a powerful reminder that learning comes alive when students are trusted to explore, engage, and lead.