Austin ISD offers paid experience through summer internship program

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Independent School District just launched its summer internship program, offering paid work experience for dozens of high school students in the Austin area.

According to an Austin ISD website post, the program offers 36 students work experience, skill development, and community engagement. For many of these students, it's their first time in the workforce.

Beginning in mid-June, students were partnered with companies and organizations across the city of Austin. Some of the employers include big names like JE Dunn, O'Connel Robertson, and iCode Austin.

Participants in the program work 20 hours a week and receive a $2,000 stipend. But for the students, the opportunity is about more than just the money.

"I think it's preparing [me] by allowing me to meet new people, and if I represent myself greatly, I'll be able to have recommendations from other people in this company," said Joaquin Sanchez, an Akins High School student. Sanchez is excited by the social outlet the program provides along with the professional opportunities.

"If I meet new people and create friends with them, I'll be more inclined to do that with other people in the future."

The AISD program runs in partnership with Austin Ed Fund and the Austin Chamber. Its success is supported by a new collaboration with the Travis County Summer Youth Employment Program, which works to place high schoolers in paid summer internships throughout the city.

The seven-week program began on June 13 and runs through July 26. More details on the program are available online.