New Tomball employment program helps teens get internships, job experience

Tomball area youth can look forward to more accessible summer internships that can better prepare them for the workforce.

A new summer youth employment program, created by the Tomball Economic Development Council, was approved by the Tomball City Council on Feb. 5. 

The program, available to Tomball area students ages 16-20 in high school or college, aims to provide students hands-on internships over a seven-week period. Companies who participate would receive a $4,000 grant for up to two interns, which will be funded after the internships are completed.

Tiffani Wooten, assistant director of the Tomball Economic Development Council, said the project provides interns compensation and experience while improving local business’ relationship with the community.

“This project aims to provide meaningful paid summer employment opportunities in a variety of industries,” Wooten said. “Ultimately, this program will help create a talent pipeline between our businesses and our future workforce.”

Students chosen for internships will have the chance to work in their chosen field of study from June 1 to Aug. 15 at a pay rate of $15 an hour. Interns are not to exceed 20 hours of work per week. The budget for the program is $40,000, with up to 10 businesses able to receive up to two interns each.

Wooten said the program is years in the making through surveys to local businesses showing interest in hosting interns. Applicants will also be interviewed by the company before moving further into the process. 

The Tomball Economic Development Council is working closely with Tomball ISD’s Career and Technical Education program for resume writing, job preparedness and professional dress classes before students begin their internship.

“We will obviously use all of our social media outlets to push out this program as best as possible,” Wooten said. “With a budget of $40,000 it’s going to be very tight this year. The businesses that have taken the time over the past two years to really express interest in this program, that’s where we’re going to start first.”

The interested employers mentioned are in manufacturing and distribution, Wooten said. 

Applications for the program will open March 18 and close April 19. Start dates may vary, but all internships will end on or before Aug. 15. 

For more information, visit Tomball youth employment programs.