CHARLESTON AREA ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH BURKE & HERBERT BANK TO LAUNCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Goal aimed at retaining young talent in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, WV (March 13, 2025) – The Charleston Area Alliance is proud to announce a new partnership with Burke & Herbert Bank to launch an innovative internship program aimed at retaining West Virginia’s talented college students and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in their post-college careers.

Burke & Herbert Bank has generously donated $25,000 to support this initiative, reinforcing their commitment to investing in the future workforce of the Mountain State.

“We are incredibly grateful for Burke & Herbert Bank’s support in making this internship program a reality,” said Mara Boggs, President & CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance. “This program is more than just providing internship opportunities — it’s about building a pipeline of talent and showing our young people that they can build meaningful, impactful careers right here in West Virginia.”

The internship program will focus on offering students hands-on experience at the Charleston Area Alliance Headquarters, professional development, and networking opportunities with local businesses and organizations. The goal of this program is to help develop professional skills and to encourage participants to stay in the region after graduation and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

Brad Ritchie, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at Burke & Herbert Bank and Trust, emphasized the importance of investing in future leaders: “As a representative of Burke & Herbert Bank, I’m thrilled to see this partnership come to life. We believe in the potential of West Virginia’s students, and this program will give them the tools and connections they need to build successful careers without leaving their home state.”

“This partnership between the Charleston Area Alliance and Burke & Herbert Bank is not just creating opportunities for our young people—it’s an investment in the future of our local workforce,” said Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “By providing students with hands-on experience, valuable skills, and meaningful networking opportunities, this new internship program will empower a new generation of leaders while strengthening our entire community.”

Kanawha County Commissioner Natalie Tennant also voiced her support for the initiative: “Internship programs like this are invaluable because they bridge the gap between education and employment. By investing in our students’ futures, we’re not only helping them succeed — we’re strengthening West Virginia’s workforce and economy. I applaud the Charleston Area Alliance and Burke & Herbert Bank for their forward-thinking approach and commitment to our community.”

The Charleston Area Alliance and Burke & Herbert Bank are united in their mission to foster a thriving local economy by nurturing the next generation of professionals. The partnership signals a shared commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant West Virginia.

For more information about the internship program and how students can apply, visit HERE.