This summer, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area welcomed 15 undergraduate students from The University of Texas at Austin’s Hook ’Em Here Central Texas program for a paid, full-time internship designed to prepare the next generation of educators and youth development professionals. Over the course of four weeks, interns were immersed in the day-to-day experience of working alongside Club staff at three Boys & Girls Clubs locations, Overton Elementary BGC, Walnut Creek Elementary BGC, and Home Club gaining firsthand experience in youth development, education, and out-of-school-time programming.
They helped lead enrichment activities, created lesson plans, supported educational projects and field trips, and served as mentors and positive role models for Club members each day, building meaningful relationships while making a lasting impact on youth throughout the summer.
On July 1, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, in partnership with The University of Texas at Austin, celebrated a milestone worth recognizing, the completion of the inaugural Hook ‘Em Here Central Texas internship cohort. Joining us were Senior Associate Dean Dr. Victor Sáenz, HEHCTX Facutly Liaison Dr. Arcelia Hernández, and Director, K-12 Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Patrick Peterson.
Paul Turner, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, welcomed guests by reflecting on the vision behind the partnership and the importance of creating meaningful pathways for college students to develop professionally while giving back to their community.
Senior Associate Dean Dr. Victor Sáenz of The University of Texas at Austin shared remarks on the lasting value of mentorship, workforce readiness, and experiential learning. He emphasized how partnerships like Hook ‘Em Here Central Texas help prepare future leaders while strengthening the communities they serve.
“We’re so excited the team here at Boys & Girls Clubs stepped up and partnered with us on this important venture that I hope is first in many years to come. There’s so much need in Central Texas in providing young people. The UT College of Education has amazing students who are looking to get into education and public service.
The event also featured powerful stories from the interns themselves. Klarissa Soto reflected on her experience working with Club members, sharing how the internship strengthened her confidence, leadership skills, and passion for serving youth. Christopher Ringheanu closed the program with heartfelt remarks of gratitude, thanking the mentors, Club staff, and fellow interns who made the experience unforgettable while encouraging future cohorts to embrace every opportunity to learn and lead.
“My experience the summer was the best I’ve ever had. Before starting this internship I was feeling insecure but the staff here taught me how to connect with the kids and helped me build confidence in myself.”
“As a former Club kid, I think that experience helped me out in how I approached this internship. I realized that we all bring something that helps bring out the spirit in kids.”
The Hook ‘Em Here Central Texas partnership demonstrates what’s possible when higher education and community organizations work together to invest in the next generation of leaders. By providing meaningful internship experiences rooted in service, mentorship, and professional development, the program not only prepares college students for future careers but also creates brighter futures for the young people they serve.
Congratulations to the inaugural Hook ‘Em Here Central Texas interns. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping Club kids thrive. We look forward to seeing where your journeys lead next, and to welcoming future cohorts who will continue building on this incredible beginning.
Alejandra Ruiz
Antonio Atalig
Brenda Sofia Breceda
Catherine Park
Christopher Ringheanu
Erika Sandberg
Gabrielle Chacon
Jacqueline Landrith
Klarissa Soto
Lamya Ujjainwala
Mary Stone
Pournima Mante
Ra’Maya Carter
Renee Woods
Sandy Lam
