As higher education continues to play a key role in the development of our nation’s future workforce, there is an ongoing need to provide first-generation and lower-income students the opportunity to make their academic dreams reality. To support this goal on a local level, the University of St. Thomas - Houston launched the Rising Stars Internship Program, giving diverse students with limited financial resources access to outstanding education and strong leadership skills for in-demand careers.
“At the heart of UST is the imperative to serve and especially to serve those who lack access to educational excellence,” UST President Richard Ludwick said. “Given this aim, we launched the Rising Stars Internship Program to propel scholarship-dependent students into the professional environment as future contenders for top positions.”
Unique Collaboration with Local Companies
UST built a unique collaboration with Houston corporate partners, from startups to non-profits to large companies, including Corva AI, Ellucian, EIV Capital LLC, Herzstein Foundation, Hilcorp Energy Company, Houston Food Bank, HP Inc., Impact Fluid Solutions LP, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. and United Way of Greater Houston to name a few.
“Rising Stars students gain valuable experience by working onsite at their corporate sponsors’ offices throughout the academic school year,” Director of Corporate Relations Mallory Wendel ‘11 said. “Not only that, they build personal connections that will influence them beyond college.”
How the Rising Stars Program Works
The Rising Stars Program, launched in fall 2019, is mutually beneficial for students and corporate sponsors. Students earn a substantial portion of UST’s tuition costs and gain relevant work experience. At the same time, corporate sponsors receive reliable entry-level workers who are positioned for future employment.
Other benefits to participating businesses are motivated talent, a diverse pipeline of skilled workers, payroll cost savings and relationship building as a result of community impact.
A Game-Changer Program for a $6,000 Investment
Participating companies in this proven model witness the power of education in a work setting. For a $6,000 a year investment, businesses can help a first-generation or lower-income student earn a college degree. The satisfaction of providing students in need with an affordable college education, real-life work experience, professional growth and new opportunities is priceless. Furthermore, students also have access to alumni mentors in UST’s Insights Program and monthly professional development workshops.
The program has grown significantly since fall 2019 when it launched with five students. By fall 2020, more than 40 were enrolled, and in fall 2021, UST will welcome an astonishing 60-65 new students, increasing the total number of students to more than 100 in a short three-year span.
Be a Corporate Sponsor or Donor for Rising Stars Program
UST welcomes your company to participate in the Rising Stars program as a donor or corporate sponsor. To make a difference in a young person’s life, reach out to Mallory Wendel ‘11l at (214) 796-2597 or wendelm@stthom.edu. To support our stars, visit our stthom.edu/give // locate “Special Initiatives” // Choose “Rising Stars Program.”
