The city of McAllen has successfully launched its inaugural paid summer internship program, aimed at providing local college students with hands-on experience in municipal government. Christina Flores, the director of human resources, announced that the city commission approved funding for the program, which included a partnership with Saint Mary's University to encourage students from the Rio Grande Valley to participate.

This summer, the program attracted over 200 applicants, resulting in the hiring of 20 interns across ten city departments. Notably, one intern has already secured a full-time position at the Municipal Court. The ten-week program, which concludes this week, has been praised for offering valuable work experience and skill development, with city manager Roy Rodriguez highlighting the talent brought into the organization.

Interns engaged in various projects, including business development, financial documentation, and community event coordination, such as the Fourth of July parade. Participants expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities provided, with some interns, like Victoria Rodriguez from UT Austin, stating that their experiences have inspired them to pursue careers in fields such as criminal law.

The city plans to continue this initiative next summer, emphasizing its commitment to fostering professional growth and community engagement among students. The partnership with Saint Mary's University is expected to expand, offering diverse opportunities across multiple disciplines, including accounting, broadcasting, and forensic science.