Dallas ISD Internship Expo connects students with real-world opportunities

More than 460 Dallas ISD students explored internship opportunities across district departments at the annual Internship Expo.

From business and information technology to education and healthcare, students learned about roles within Dallas ISD and participated in on-the-spot interviews, gaining firsthand experience in a professional setting.

As part of Dallas ISD’s broader effort to equip students with employable skills, the internship program bridges classroom learning with real-world experience.

“Opportunities like the Internship Expo give our students direct access to real-world experiences through professional interviews and conversations with industry partners,” said Sibu McNeal, workforce development programs director. “It helps them build confidence, expand their networks, and gain clarity about their career paths.”

The expo allowed students not only to explore career paths, but also to begin envisioning themselves in those roles.

“The most rewarding part is seeing students step into these professional spaces and really own it,” McNeal said. “Watching them engage with confidence and advocate for themselves is powerful.”

Over the summer, students selected for the program will participate in an internship designed to align with each student’s program of study and involve meaningful projects and tasks that reflect real-world expectations. 

As the event continues to grow, it is expanding access to meaningful, hands-on opportunities across the district. What began as a smaller initiative has evolved into a districtwide experience focused on preparation, skill-building, and strong internal partnerships.

Looking ahead, Dallas ISD aims to deepen those opportunities and continue connecting students to high-demand career pathways.

“The goal is not just access, but meaningful experiences that build skills and connect to in-demand careers,” McNeal said. “This is about creating a strong pipeline between education and industry.”

For more photos of the event, click here.