El Paso ISD, UTEP Launch Summer Internship Program for High Schoolers
EL PASO, Texas (April 29, 2026) – The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) is launching a new program with The University of Texas at El Paso to offer district students paid summer internship opportunities beginning this June.
The initiative is aimed at giving students relevant work experience that exposes them to opportunities available to them after high school. Through these internships, EPISD high school students will gain hands-on experience in a variety of professional and academic settings across the UTEP campus, providing them with a unique look at the operations of a premier research university.
“At El Paso ISD, our mission is to provide every student with a high-quality education that provides pathways to prosperity, preparing them for success in college, career, and beyond,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk. “This partnership with UTEP allows us to expand horizons for our students and provide them with a distinct advantage to apply their skills beyond the classroom in real-world environments and fortify their academic and professional futures.”
"UTEP is committed to engaged learning. While we are educators, we are also one of the largest employers in El Paso. We want high school students to see what it is like to work at UTEP and be inspired to pursue their education here after they graduate from high school," UTEP President Heather Wilson said. “Most of us remember a job we had in high school that helped to form who we would become and introduced us to the world of work. We’re happy to do this with EPISD.”
By participating in these jobs, students will develop critical soft skills, build professional networks and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available to them within their own community.
UTEP will offer 13 internships, one for each high school in EPISD, from June through July. Internship opportunities will be available in multiple departments, including admissions, athletics, recreational sports, special events and union services. Students will need to apply to the jobs and participate in interviews for consideration, allowing them to practice creating resumes and preparing for interviews.
The collaboration reinforces El Paso ISD’s commitment to providing students with high-impact, experiential learning opportunities. By fostering these connections with local higher education leaders, the district continues to cultivate a pipeline of talent that is prepared to lead and innovate in the 21st-century workforce.
To learn more, visit episd.org/internships or email fmarque1@episd.org.
Last Updated on April 29, 2026 at 12:00 AM | Originally published April 29, 2026
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
