United Independent School District’s inaugural Summer Student Externship Program has successfully concluded, providing 48 students from all four UISD high schools with meaningful, paid workplace experiences that strengthened their career readiness while building valuable connections with local employers.

Sponsored by the UISD Career & Technical Education (CTE) Department through a Texas Education Agency (TEA) Summer Grant, the three-week program paired rising juniors and seniors with UISD departments, campuses, and businesses and organizations across Laredo. Students gained hands-on experience while developing technical knowledge, professional communication, teamwork, and other essential workplace skills.

The highly competitive program received 155 student applications before 48 students were selected based on their responses, teacher recommendations, academic performance, and attendance.

“This program was truly a dream come to life,” said Claudia Gonzalez, Director of UISD Career & Technical Education. “When the Texas Education Agency announced the Summer Grant opportunity, we recognized a pivotal chance to enhance our students' career pathways. Leveraging this grant, we provided students the opportunity to transition from the classroom to authentic work-based learning environments. By engaging in industry-aligned projects, they are gaining the critical skills necessary to be post-secondary ready and competitive in the global workforce.”

Unlike traditional job-shadowing experiences, students actively participated in daily operations at their assigned worksites, working alongside professionals who treated them as valued members of their teams.

“Our students weren’t simply observing—they were working,” said Annette Rodriguez, UISD CTE Coordinator. “They learned professional communication, time management, problem-solving, and teamwork while building relationships with business leaders and mentors throughout our community. That kind of experience is invaluable because it helps students confirm career interests while developing confidence in professional settings.”

Participating employers praised the students’ professionalism, work ethic, and eagerness to learn. Several students impressed their supervisors so much that they were invited to continue with internships and jobs beyond the summer program.

For United High School senior Carlos Trevino, who worked in the UISD Public Relations Office, the experience helped him grow professionally in unexpected ways.

“I wanted work experience that would strengthen my resume, but I ended up learning so much more,” Trevino said. “I’ve become much more comfortable communicating with people, making eye contact, and asking questions when I need help. Teamwork has been the biggest lesson because everyone works together to get the job done.”

Johnson High School student Diego Garcia, who completed his externship at the Area Health Education Center, said the experience reinforced his plans to pursue a medical career.

“I’ve improved my communication skills by talking with people every day,” Garcia said. “This opportunity felt like a stepping stone toward my future because I want to go into biomedical engineering, and now I understand how important communication will be with patients and other professionals.”

United South High School student Bryana Hernandez, who worked at Las Alturas Nursing and Transitional Care, discovered newfound confidence while interacting with residents.

“I’ve become much more comfortable socializing with people,” Hernandez said. “Talking with patients every day has helped prepare me for my goal of becoming a postpartum nurse.”

Fellow United South High School student Alessa Montes also completed her externship at Las Alturas and said the experience strengthened qualities that will serve her well in the healthcare field.

“I’ve learned that empathy, patience, and teamwork are essential when caring for others,” Montes said. “Everyone works together to provide the best care possible, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn from professionals as I work toward becoming a NICU nurse.”

United High School student Sergio Gonzalez, who worked at the Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center, said the externship provided an inside look at his future profession.

“This experience gave me a real perspective on how the field works,” Gonzalez said. “It has taught me patience, communication, and the importance of working together as a team. I really appreciate UISD for giving students the opportunity to explore careers before graduating.”

Alexander High School student Hiram Amaya, who was placed with the UISD Grants Administration Department, said his communication skills improved significantly during the program.

“I’ve definitely improved my phone etiquette, communication, and professional tone of voice,” Amaya said. “Those are skills I’ll carry with me as I pursue cybersecurity in college.”

Students completed externships at a wide variety of organizations, including healthcare facilities, government offices, local businesses, financial institutions, educational organizations, and multiple UISD departments and campuses, allowing them to explore careers aligned with their interests.

Throughout the summer, CTE teachers Juan Medina of Alexander High School and Carolina Reyes of Lyndon B. Johnson High School visited worksites to observe students and support both participants and employers.

UISD also recognized the families who made the program possible by ensuring students had reliable transportation to and from their worksites throughout the summer.

The district extends its sincere appreciation to its many community partners for investing in the future workforce by opening their doors to students and providing authentic workplace learning experiences.

“This program demonstrates what is possible when schools and the business community work together,” Gonzalez said. “We are incredibly thankful to every employer, mentor, supervisor, parent, and staff member who made this first Summer Student Externship Program such an overwhelming success. Most importantly, congratulations to our 48 outstanding students for representing UISD with professionalism, enthusiasm, and excellence.”

UISD plans to continue the Summer Student Externship Program to provide future opportunities for students and continue connecting them with meaningful career experiences and success after graduation.