RSA scholars must successfully complete all program requirements, including required internship experiences.

Federal regulations require scholars to complete an internship with a State VR agency unless an exception is approved by the RSA. VCU's Clinical Coordinator works closely with State VR agencies to arrange internship placements for RSA scholars. These experiences help students develop professional skills, apply classroom learning, and build relationships with future employers.

After graduation, RSA scholars must work in qualifying rehabilitation-related employment. Qualifying employment typically includes State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies or related organizations that have a formal or informal agreement with a State VR agency, with duties related to the scholar's field of training.

• Full-time scholars must complete two years of qualifying employment for each academic year of RSA support.
• Part-time scholars must complete one year of qualifying employment for each academic year of part-time RSA support.
• The amount of scholarship funding does not affect the length of the service obligation. Even partial scholarship support for a full academic year requires two years of qualifying employment.
• The service obligation begins after graduation and must be completed within the required service period plus an additional two-year grace period.
• Before employment counts toward the service obligation, it must be approved by the Project Director and verified by the employer. Scholars are encouraged to consult with the Project Director before accepting a position to confirm that it qualifies under federal regulations.

Scholars who do not complete the required service obligation must repay the scholarship funds they received, including any applicable interest and collection costs required by federal regulations.

Scholars who withdraw from or are dismissed from the program after completing at least one academic year of a multi-year program may satisfy their obligation through qualifying employment or financial repayment. Scholars who leave the program before completing one academic year are generally required to repay the scholarship financially rather than through qualifying employment.

Failure to obtain qualifying employment within the required timeframe does not automatically extend the service period or waive the repayment requirement.