The conversation opens with Judith Ybarra, who emphasizes the critical alignment between education and industry. At TSTC, programs are built in close partnership with employers to ensure students graduate with real, marketable skills. Whether it’s in advanced manufacturing, robotics, or aviation technology, TSTC operates more like an industry training ground than a traditional academic institution.

This tight industry alignment means students are workforce-ready from day one—and internships offer a valuable bridge between classroom and career.

“Internships help students apply their training in real-world environments, and they give employers an early look at top talent,” Ybarra explains.

Enter TXWORKS: Internships with a Return

Vanessa Malo introduces TXWORKS, a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board program that provides wage reimbursement to employers who offer paid internships to qualifying students. It’s a win-win: students gain hands-on experience in their field of study, and employers gain access to motivated, job-ready talent—without absorbing the full financial burden.

TXWORKS can reimburse employers up to $2,000 per intern for paid internships that meet program criteria. That’s not just helpful—it’s smart business.

Think of it as an investment in the future workforce. Internships are not just a feel-good initiative. They help employers build a pipeline, improve retention, and shape the skill sets your business needs.

Looking ahead, the goal is to expand work-based learning and provide as much access as possible expanding the types of industries to join the program and also into both urban and rural areas. 

A Closer Look at Impact

The benefits of this model are far-reaching:

• Students get meaningful job experience while completing their education, often leading to full-time employment post-graduation.
• Employers reduce hiring risk by testing candidates in real-world roles before making long-term commitments.
• Communities benefit from a more skilled, more employable workforce aligned with local industry needs.

What’s more, the process is accessible. TXWORKS is designed to make participation easy for employers, with support available from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

How to Get Started

Employers interested in learning more or applying for the program can visit TXWORKS for Employers. The program is open to Texas-based employers across a variety of industries, with a focus on those offering positions relevant to high-demand fields.

As Judith and Vanessa make clear in this episode, paid internships aren’t just nice to have—they’re a strategic advantage in today’s competitive labor market.

Texas continues to lead the way in workforce development by closing the gap between education and employment. Programs like TXWORKS show that when public institutions and private industry work together, everyone wins.

If your business is ready to shape the future workforce and gain a recruitment edge—while getting reimbursed for doing it—this is your moment.

Listen to Business Brief: Offer Paid Internships & Get Reimbursed on Another Week of Available Work to hear more insights from Judith Ybarra and Vanessa Malo, and learn how to turn internships into impact for your company and community.