As the school year winds down and graduation season approaches, many high school and college students across Houston are preparing to enter the job market. In a recent interview with Univision 45 Houston, Maria Franco Cortes from Workforce Solutions shared key resources and opportunities available to help young people take their first steps into the workforce.
Franco Cortes, a board member at Workforce Solutions, emphasized that the organization offers year-round services tailored to students and recent graduates. “We can help them update and personalize their résumés, which is one of the most important first steps,” she explained.
Beyond résumé assistance, Workforce Solutions hosts a variety of job fairs where students can connect directly with employers, learn about local industries, and explore the qualifications needed for different roles. These events offer invaluable insight into the regional job market and help young people make informed career decisions.
For students interested in continuing their education or pursuing technical careers, Franco Cortes highlighted the availability of financial aid. “We offer up to $6,000 this summer for those who want to keep studying or enroll in a technical training program,” she said.
One of the key summer opportunities is a paid internship program for youth aged 16 to 24. Registration opened in February and will remain open until May 3, with the program running from June 16 to August 8. Participants will be placed in internships or part-time jobs that pay between $10 and $15 per hour over the course of approximately eight weeks.
“This program is perfect for young people who are graduating or still unsure about which career path to follow,” Franco Cortes noted. “It gives them hands-on experience and helps them explore different industries.”
To learn more or apply, visit the Workforce Solutions website.