UTEP, Workforce Solutions Borderplex Awarded Grant to Place More Students at Competitive Internships
Students to earn $20 per hour to complete real-world, competitive internships
EL PASO, Texas (March 19, 2026) – The University of Texas at El Paso’s Mike Loya Center for Innovation and Commerce and Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) have been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to connect more students with internships that prepare them for post-graduate careers.
Through this program, student interns will earn $20 per hour. The grant provides a $10 per hour match, which, when combined with a $10 per hour contribution from the employer, ensures students are well-compensated while gaining high-impact training and development.
“At UTEP, we are committed to not only providing a world class education but also ensuring our students are the primary architects of the region's economic future,” said Ahmad Itani, Ph.D., vice president for research and innovation at UTEP. “This partnership with Workforce Solutions Borderplex allows us to translate classroom theory into industrial practice. By eliminating barriers for local employers to host interns, we are keeping our brightest talent right here in the Borderplex, fueled by the innovation and research excellence that defines our university.”
The award underscores a shared commitment between UTEP and WSB to strengthen the regional talent pipeline and advance economic mobility for students in the Borderplex region.
The program will run three internship cycles over 15 months and is expected to engage approximately 50 interns and 15 employer partners. Internships will focus on industries aligned with Texas targeted industry clusters including business, engineering, health sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing and logistics.
This collaboration bridges the gap between higher education and regional economic development. By leveraging WSB’s extensive employer network and the Mike Loya Center’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, the partnership creates a robust ecosystem for professional growth and the practical, hands-on experience necessary to successfully transition from the classroom to the professional workforce.
The Mike Loya Center will work to ensure internship opportunities are made available to students from all colleges and academic backgrounds, said Nicole Aguilar, Ed.D., director of the center.
"Innovation thrives when diverse perspectives meet real world challenges,” Aguilar said. “Through the Texas Internship Initiative, UTEP students have a front row seat to the industries shaping our region."
Participating employers will represent a wide array of industries, designing unique experiences that challenge students to deepen their entrepreneurial knowledge. Interns will be encouraged to integrate innovative ideas and creative solutions into their daily roles, ensuring they are actively contributing to the evolution of their respective fields.
For Workforce Solutions Borderplex, the grant represents a vital investment in the future of the West Texas economy.
“This initiative is about helping students bridge the gap between education and employment,” said Leila Melendez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex. “Often students complete their degrees with strong academic preparation but still need real-world experience to enter their field. Paid internships create opportunities for students to build practical skills, contribute to employers, and begin establishing their professional careers while still in school.”
Last Updated on March 20, 2026 at 12:00 AM | Originally published March 20, 2026
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
