Dallas Works returns for its fifth year with expanded internship opportunities for young people across the city

Dallas, Texas – The City of Dallas has officially launched the fifth year of the Dallas Works summer youth employment program, continuing an initiative designed to connect young people with valuable workplace experience while preparing them for future careers.

Mayor Eric L. Johnson announced the start of the 2026 program alongside the All Stars Project, Inc., marking another milestone for an initiative that has helped hundreds of Dallas students gain practical job skills since its creation in 2020.

This year’s program also marks the second consecutive year that the All Stars Project has partnered with the City of Dallas to oversee and administer the summer employment initiative.

Internships officially began on Monday, June 29, with more than 250 students participating in placements across businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and city departments throughout Dallas.

“I am excited for another summer of giving young people across Dallas the chance to build new skills, gain meaningful experience, and take important steps toward a successful future,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “Dallas is a city of genuine opportunity for everyone, and Dallas Works helps equip our youth with the tools and experience they need to succeed while also contributing to a stronger economy for our entire city.”

Public and private partners expand opportunities

The Dallas Works program continues to grow through partnerships with employers from both the private and nonprofit sectors.

Dallas College serves as the program’s largest internship sponsor this year, providing opportunities for many participating students.

Corporate partners include AMLI Residential, Bank of Texas, EY, Hunt Consolidated, JPMorgan Chase, KFM Engineering & Design, TACenergy, and WTW. These organizations are offering internships that allow students to gain firsthand experience in professional work environments while developing skills that can benefit them long after the summer ends.

Several nonprofit and educational organizations are also participating, including the All Stars Project of Dallas, Crossroads Community Services, Dallas College, For Oak Cliff, Junior Players, Trinity Park Conservancy, and Year Up United.

The City of Dallas is also directly involved by hosting 14 high school interns in several municipal departments. Students will gain experience working with Dallas Water Utilities, Information Technology Services, Procurement Services, Park and Recreation, and the Office of Community Police Oversight.

According to city officials, these placements are intended to expose students to a wide variety of career paths while helping them build confidence in professional settings.

Chris Street, President and CEO of the All Stars Project, said the partnership continues to open doors for young people throughout the city.

“Dallas Works demonstrates the power of public-private partnership to expand opportunity for young people across our city,” said Chris Street, President and CEO of the All Stars Project. “As we launch year two of the program, we are building on a strong foundation of success and creating even more pathways for young people to gain meaningful workplace experience, develop career-ready skills, and connect with employers who are investing in the future of Dallas. These opportunities help young people to grow in confidence, and to see themselves as leaders and professionals. Together, we are helping create a stronger future for Dallas and the next generation who will shape it.”

Before internships officially began, Dallas Works conducted an extensive outreach campaign to connect with students across the region.

Program representatives reached more than 3,400 young people through 16 outreach events held at Dallas ISD schools, Dallas College, the University of North Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Dallas, and several Dallas-area charter schools, including KIPP Oak Cliff Academy, Uplift Heights Hills Prep, and Uplift Williams Prep.

In addition to recruiting participants, the program also focused on preparing students for the workplace. More than 250 young people attended career readiness workshops where they received communication coaching, resume-writing assistance, and opportunities to work alongside professionals while strengthening skills that employers value.

Since its launch in 2020, Dallas Works has continued expanding opportunities for local youth by combining support from city government, educational institutions, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. City leaders say the program not only helps students prepare for future careers but also strengthens Dallas’ workforce by investing in the next generation of professionals.