Richardson City Council gave the green light on Nov. 2 for a 30‑day feasibility study that will examine the possibility of restoring the Mayor’s Summer Internship Program as a city‑run initiative. The study, budgeted at $12,500, will be performed by an outside consultant and funded from year‑end budget savings set aside for special projects.
Why the program matters
The Mayor’s Summer Internship Program pairs high‑school juniors with paid positions at local companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. First launched in 2018 through a partnership between Richardson ISD, the city and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, the program has historically hosted about 50 students each summer. After six successful years, RISD discontinued the effort in winter 2023 due to budget constraints.
City‑led model inspired by Plano
Mayor Amir Omar and City Manager Don Magner see an opportunity to revive the program under direct city management, using the Richardson Improvement Corporation – a nonprofit that already supports community development – to oversee operations. The proposed model mirrors Plano’s Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, which is run by the city and managed by the nonprofit Plano Improvement Corporation. Plano initially invested $130,000 to launch its effort and now funds the program through sponsorships and donations. In 2026, the Plano program served 91 interns with a budget of $292,500.
Community voices support the effort
Richardson High School senior Sean de Miranda testified before council that students crave real‑world work experience. “The UTD student advisory council has grown me so much, and bringing back this internship can do the same for many more students,” he said, emphasizing the program’s potential to develop a future generation of ambitious young people willing to invest in their city.
Council deliberations
Council members expressed both enthusiasm and caution. Curtis Dorian noted that a January application deadline – the timeline Plano follows – might be tight for a 2027 launch. Jennifer Justice backed the feasibility study but suggested targeting a 2028 start to allow the city to allocate funding in the next budget cycle. “How much are we going to rely on reserve funds for projects like this? I worry it may not be the right time,” Justice said.
Next steps
After the consultant completes the study, council will decide whether to move forward with a program launch in the summer of 2027 or 2028. The study will assess organizational structure, financial requirements, staffing needs and potential community partnerships, providing a clear roadmap for any future implementation.
What this means for Richardson families
Restoring the internship program aligns with Richardson’s commitment to fostering opportunities for its youth, supporting traditional families, and encouraging individual liberty through meaningful work experience. By connecting students with local employers, the city hopes to strengthen the community’s economic base while giving young people a chance to explore career paths in a supportive environment.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Richardson — read the source article.
