The Home to Texas™ Internship Program is a scholarship-funded summer initiative developed by the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) to connect first-year students with meaningful internship and research opportunities in their hometowns. The program’s primary goals are to:​

• Develop a strong professional foundation early in the students’ academic careers.​
• Foster connections that may encourage students to consider returning to their home communities after graduation.​
• Prepare the next generation of community leaders by engaging them in local projects and initiatives.​

In collaboration with the City of Corpus Christi, UT Austin is launching this program locally for the first time. The initiative seeks to address the trend of students not returning to their hometowns post-graduation, which is particularly prevalent in small to medium-sized communities. By providing students with professional experiences within Corpus Christi, the program aims to showcase the career opportunities available locally and strengthen the city’s talent base. ​

Program Details:

• Duration: 9 weeks, beginning June 1st.​
• Stipend: Students will receive a $5,000 stipend upon completing the program, funded jointly by UT Austin and the Type B Corporation.​
• Coursework: Participants will enroll in a summer online course focusing on research and professional skills.​The IC² Institute+1Career Success+1
• Community Engagement: Students will conduct research projects centered around Texas communities, including interviews and surveys, culminating in reports on local challenges and opportunities. ​

For Employers:

The program is seeking Corpus Christi-based companies to host interns. Ideal host companies should provide:​

• A meaningful, professional experience where students can learn about working in a professional setting.​
• Opportunities to gain customer service experience.​
• Engagement that fosters a deeper involvement in the Corpus Christi community.​

Participating businesses benefit by gaining fresh perspectives and ideas from motivated students, potentially cultivating future employees who are familiar with the local community and its needs. ​Click here to learn more.

Contact Information:

For more details or to express interest in hosting an intern, please contact the Office of Economic Development at (361) 826-3956.​

This partnership between the City of Corpus Christi and UT Austin represents a concerted effort to invest in local talent and encourage graduates to contribute to the growth and development of their home community.​

For a visual overview of the program, you can watch the following news segment: