Key Takeaways
The University of Houston System has partnered with the Houston Health Department
to expand paid internships, practicums, and applied learning opportunities for students
across UH, UHD and UHCL.
Through hands-on field projects and research assistantships, students can earn academic
credit while gaining critical experience in municipal government, public service and
community health.
Building on civic initiatives, this systemwide collaboration directly strengthens
the Greater Houston workforce pipeline by aligning higher education talent with local
public health and municipal needs.
The University of Houston System and the Houston Health Department (HHD) have formalized
a systemwide partnership agreement to expand paid internships, practicums, research
opportunities and applied learning experiences for students across the University
of Houston (UH), University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) and University of Houston-Clear
Lake (UHCL).
The affiliation agreement establishes a framework for collaboration among the three
universities, the city of Houston and the Houston Health Department. Through the initiative,
students can complete paid practicum placements, research assistantships and field
projects while gaining hands-on experience in community health and public service.
Academic credit options are available depending on individual degree programs.
“As Houston’s university system, we have a responsibility to help develop the talent
that will shape our region’s future,” said Monica D. Thompson, executive director
of University Career Services at UH. “This partnership creates meaningful opportunities
for students while helping the city of Houston connect with the talent it needs to
serve our community. It demonstrates the power of higher education and municipal government
working together to strengthen communities, build workforce pipelines and create pathways
to impactful careers.”
This partnership builds upon a long-standing relationship between the UH System and
the city of Houston, including student placements across municipal initiatives such
as Complete Communities and Mayoral Summer Internship Program, part of UH’s College
of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
“This systemwide agreement reflects the University of Houston System’s commitment
to driving student success through hands-on, high-impact learning experiences,” said
Paul R. Kittle, vice chancellor for student affairs for the UH System and vice president
for student affairs at UH. “Partnering with the Houston Health Department allows our
students across all campuses to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world application,
directly serving our local communities while building strong career pipelines for
the region.”
The partnership reflects the University of Houston System’s commitment to serving
as a talent pipeline for the Houston region by connecting students with real-world
experiences while helping meet the workforce needs of one of the nation’s largest
cities.
“The students in the University of Houston System will benefit significantly from
this partnership with the Houston Health Department, as it will offer vital career
opportunities and exposure for students,” said Janina Arrington, assistant vice president
for student success at UHD. “By fostering deeper community connections, this agreement
bolsters employability within the Houston region, advances essential skills and competencies
needed, and redefines workforce readiness in the Houston region.”