Houston Bar Association, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Smithwood Medical Institute among key partners
HOUSTON, June 11, 2025 – Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) has launched its 2025 summer internship and externship programs, offering high school juniors and seniors hands-on experience in professional settings—from hospitals and law firms to energy companies and mental health organizations.
A cornerstone of CIS’s workforce development initiative, these paid opportunities equip students with job readiness, leadership skills, and career exposure. For many, the stipends will help fund college tuition.
CIS students receive comprehensive support year-round on their campuses, including academic help, mental health services, referrals and guidance from full-time CIS Student Support Managers who mentor them throughout their high school journey.
“We’re proud of our workforce readiness initiative, made possible by our dedicated partners in law, health care, and energy,” said Lisa Descant, CEO of CIS of Houston. “These programs give students access to hands-on, real-world experiences. They also learn practical skills about interviewing, resume writing, career preparation and business etiquette, which contribute to future success.”
Healthcare Programs
- Houston Methodist Hospital Patient Care Assistance (PCA) Internship
Graduating seniors work 48 hours a week in hospital settings, rotating through departments like maternity, cardiovascular, neurology, and orthopedics to gain broad exposure to healthcare careers. - Smithwood CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Program
Students complete an evening course at Smithwood Medical Institute, combining classroom and lab instruction to prepare for the Texas State Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Exam.
Legal Internship
- Houston Bar Association Legal Internship Program
Over eight weeks, students intern at Houston law firms, corporate legal departments, and public agencies. The program culminates in a student-led mock trial, where they apply newly gained critical thinking and debate skills in a courtroom simulation.
Externships
- Lazarus Energy Empowerment Program (LEEP)
LEEP introduces students to the energy industry through career exploration, personal development, and college preparation. - Behavioral Health Workforce Recruitment, Education, and Development Initiative (WREDI)
Students are placed in mental health facilities, supporting departments through clerical work, client intake, and shadowing behavioral health professionals.
Students or parents interested in CIS programs should contact their school’s principal, guidance counselor or CIS student support specialist. CIS of Houston currently serves 135 campuses across five school districts—Alief, Houston, Royal, Spring, and Spring Branch—with a sixth to be added this fall. CIS is also partnered with charter schools and Lone Star College.
Learn more at www.cishouston.org.
Link to Houston Bar Association photos here
Link to nursing photos here
Courtesy Communities In Schools of Houston
About Communities In Schools of Houston
Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) empowers every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background, to realize their potential in school and beyond. During the 2024-2025 school year, CIS served 135 school campuses across Greater Houston. CIS places at least one full-time staff member on each partner campus to deliver direct services and to connect students and families with needed community resources. We collaborate with 257 community partners each year to help students confront and overcome barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. CIS works alongside students, families, alumni and stakeholders to create meaningful change that impacts lives today and generations to come.
