Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program: Empowering Future Leaders

The Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program (PMSIP) stands as a testament to Plano's commitment to investing in its youth. Launched in 2014 by former Mayor Harry LaRosiliere and continued under Mayor John Muns, this initiative connects talented students with the city's vibrant business community, providing them with invaluable real-world experience and shaping them into future leaders. The program is an earn-and-learn summer internship opportunity for rising juniors and seniors attending a Plano Independent School District.

A Collaborative Community Effort

Mayor Muns emphasizes that the Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program exemplifies the power of community collaboration in inspiring youth and strengthening the future. It provides students with the essential tools for success in their professional journeys.

Capital One serves as the founding and presenting sponsor, with additional backing from major employers including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Toyota Motor North America, Samsung, PepsiCo, Texas Health Resources Plano and dozens more.

Program Overview

PMSIP pairs students with local businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations for internships that emphasize both professional development and real-world exposure. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for students to gain practical skills, explore potential career paths, and contribute to the Plano community.

Key Features:

Earn-and-Learn Opportunity: Interns earn a minimum of $13 per hour and work between 20 and 40 hours per week.
Real-World Experience: Interns are immersed in various fields, including technology, healthcare, finance, education, hospitality, real estate, marketing, higher education, and nonprofits.
Professional Development: The program teaches essential workforce skills and provides connections to some of the area’s top corporations and nonprofits.
Community Impact: Interns contribute to the success of their host companies and nonprofits, leaving a lasting impact on the Plano community.

Impact and Insights

The Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program provides students with invaluable experiences and reinforces the city’s dedication to investing in the future of its youth.

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Community Service Day

Each year, PMSIP students gather at the North Texas Food Bank for their annual Community Service Day. This event allows interns to give back to the community by packing food for those in need. For example, this year interns packed over 32,400 lbs of food in one morning. NTFB President and CEO Trisha Cunningham told the teens that they’re never too young to make an impact and that it’s likely the food they packed will support neighbors in their own community. “Know that you are helping your neighbors,” she said, adding that Texas now leads the nation in hunger and that people who are food insecure live in every zip code. Plano Mayor John Muns reiterated Trisha’s sentiments and thanked each of the students for participating.

Workplace Behaviors and Career Exploration

In addition to community service, interns participate in workshops and learning sessions. For example, after their volunteer work, this year interns learned about workplace behaviors and various careers in the natural gas industry with the support of Atmos Energy and NexPoint.

Program Benefits

For Students:

Skill Development: Interns develop essential workforce skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Career Exploration: The program allows students to explore different career paths and gain insights into various industries.
Networking Opportunities: Interns connect with professionals from top corporations and nonprofits, building valuable relationships for their future careers.
Financial Empowerment: By earning a minimum of $13 per hour, interns gain financial independence and learn about money management.
Community Engagement: Interns contribute to the Plano community, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and pride.

For Businesses and Nonprofits:

Access to Talent: The program provides access to a pool of talented and motivated students who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the workplace.
Community Engagement: Participating in the program demonstrates a commitment to supporting the Plano community and investing in its future.
Workforce Development: By providing internships, businesses and nonprofits contribute to the development of a future-ready workforce.

Voices from the Program

Mayor John Muns:

"The Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program is a shining example of what it looks like when a community collectively comes together to inspire youth and drive impact to strengthen our future. It provides our students with the tools they need to succeed in their professional journeys."

"The Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program is one of our community’s most powerful tools for expanding economic mobility"

Alex Steele, Senior Marketing Analyst for NTT Data:

NTT Data has long partnered with the internship program and the NTFB. Alex Steele said it’s important to NTT Data to impact its community.

How to Get Involved

Students:

The Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program is available to sophomore or junior students. You must demonstrate academic achievement, pursuing a career at one of North Texas’ top organizations this summer to be considered.

Eligibility: The program is open to rising juniors and seniors enrolled in Plano ISD.
Application Process: Students must complete an online application, which includes a short essay.
Application Window: The student application window opens Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 9, or until 300 applications are received.

Businesses and Nonprofits:

Organizations interested in becoming community partners can contact the Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program for more information.

Volunteers:

Volunteers are the heart of our success. Lend your time and talents to help students build the skills and confidence to become future community leaders.

A Bright Future for Plano

The Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program is more than just a summer job; it's an investment in the future of Plano. By providing students with real-world experience, professional development opportunities, and a chance to give back to their community, PMSIP is empowering today's dreamers to become tomorrow's leaders.

The success of the Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program hinges on the collaborative spirit of the Plano community. It’s a partnership between the city, the school district, local businesses, nonprofits, and dedicated volunteers.

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Celebrating Success

The program celebrates the accomplishments of its interns, employers, and community leaders through events like the Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program luncheon.

At this year's luncheon, the program celebrated 87 incredible interns who not only contributed to the success of their host companies and nonprofits but also left a lasting impact on the community. Each intern brought fresh ideas, dedication, and a willingness to learn that strengthened both their workplace and Plano as a whole.

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