Plus3 IT Honored for Forging Virginia's Next-Gen Federal Tech Talent

RESTON, VA – April 02, 2026 – In a significant recognition of its commitment to workforce development, Reston-based Plus3 IT Systems has been named a 2026 "Top Employer for Interns" by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The award highlights Virginia companies that provide exceptional, high-quality internship experiences, directly contributing to the strength and vitality of the Commonwealth's workforce pipeline.

Plus3 IT, a privately-owned small disadvantaged business specializing in IT services for the Federal Government, received the honor for a program that goes beyond typical work experience. The company provides a robust, paid internship that immerses students in real-world projects focused on leading-edge technologies like cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The recognition, part of a statewide initiative involving the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation, places Plus3 IT among 161 employers celebrated for their role in shaping the next generation of professionals.

A Blueprint for Meaningful Internships

The SCHEV award distinguishes employers who offer structured, substantive work-integrated learning. Plus3 IT's program serves as a model, built on a foundation of mentorship, hands-on application, and professional development. Interns are not relegated to peripheral tasks; they are integrated into teams working on complex technical challenges and are supported by dedicated mentors from the company's senior technical staff.

"Our internship program is a vital part of our talent strategy, providing a pipeline of cleared, certified, and experienced professionals," said Michelle Lansel, Plus3 IT's Director of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation. "We are dedicated to equipping the next generation with hands-on, substantive experience in cutting-edge areas like cloud and AI, ensuring they are prepared for the complex challenges facing the Federal Government and the technology industry."

This commitment to meaningful experience is a core tenet of the SCHEV award criteria, which emphasizes programs that help students apply classroom learning and develop practical skills. The recognition will be formally celebrated at a statewide reception for all award recipients in Richmond on Thursday, July 30, 2026, coinciding with Virginia Intern Day.

More Than an Internship: A Gateway to Federal Tech Careers

What sets the Plus3 IT internship apart, particularly within the competitive Northern Virginia tech corridor, are two key components that directly address major barriers to entry in the federal contracting space: security clearances and industry certifications.

Unlike many programs where the ability to obtain a clearance is a prerequisite, Plus3 IT actively facilitates the process, offering interns the opportunity to obtain security clearances. This single benefit provides a monumental career advantage, as a clearance is often the most significant hurdle for new graduates seeking to work on sensitive government projects. It effectively creates a pool of pre-vetted talent ready to contribute to national security missions from day one of their professional careers.

Furthermore, the company invests directly in its interns' technical acumen by offering to pay for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam. By providing study support and covering the cost, Plus3 IT ensures its interns leave not just with experience but with a tangible, industry-recognized credential that validates their skills in a high-demand field. This dual focus on security and certification provides an unparalleled launchpad for a career in federal IT.

A former intern from the summer of 2019, whose testimonial appears on the company's website, described the program as "the best real-world working experience," highlighting direct interaction with leadership and the chance to work on impactful projects. This firsthand account validates the program's focus on providing substantive opportunities that accelerate professional growth.

Addressing Virginia's Critical Tech Talent Gap

Plus3 IT's program does not operate in a vacuum. It serves as a targeted solution to one of Virginia's most pressing economic challenges: a significant and growing tech talent gap. The Commonwealth currently has over 90,000 open technology jobs, with the vast majority concentrated in Northern Virginia's federal and commercial sectors. The demand for professionals skilled in cloud, AI, and cybersecurity—especially those holding security clearances—far outstrips the available supply.

State-level initiatives like the Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP) are working to increase the number of computer science graduates from Virginia's universities. However, programs run by private sector employers like Plus3 IT are critical for bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world readiness. By providing a structured pathway from the classroom to a cleared, certified career, the company is directly strengthening the regional talent ecosystem.

This initiative ensures that Virginia can continue to support the complex technological needs of the Federal Government and maintain its position as a national technology hub. The internship program effectively cultivates the specialized workforce required to drive innovation and secure the nation's digital infrastructure.

Small Business, Big Impact

Perhaps most notable is that this industry-leading program is the product of a small disadvantaged business. In a region dominated by large defense and technology contractors, Plus3 IT demonstrates that size does not limit impact. While massive corporations have extensive resources for recruitment, smaller, more agile firms can create highly effective, focused programs that offer unique value.

For over a decade, Plus3 IT has supported the Federal Government with innovative digital solutions in multi-cloud infrastructure, data engineering, and AI. Its success in talent development proves that a deep understanding of specific industry needs—in this case, the federal government's demand for cleared cloud and AI experts—can be leveraged to build a superior talent pipeline. The company's achievement sets a new standard, showing that small and medium-sized enterprises can lead the charge in workforce development and compete for the best emerging talent by offering targeted, high-value opportunities that larger competitors may overlook.