College 1st Internship Experience
Be Part of Something Bigger
The College 1st Program seeks passionate undergraduate and graduate students who are ready to make a meaningful difference across communities throughout the Rio Grande Valley and across Texas.
This isn’t just another internship—it’s an opportunity to shape a student’s future.
At College 1st, we believe every student can be successful. When students begin exploring their future college and career pathways early, they gain the time, confidence, and support needed to achieve their life goals. As we often say:
Students can only aspire to become what they know.
That is why we exist—to educate, inspire, and guide every student who wants to #BeSuccessful.
Our Mission
We partner with visionary leaders from school districts, education service centers, and universities who believe deeply in the potential of every student.
Together, we create powerful hands-on academic enrichment experiences and real-world mentorship opportunities that prepare students for College, Career, and Life Success.
Since 2013, the College 1st Team has developed and delivered life-changing CAMP experiences—immersive learning environments where students explore careers in STEM, Business, Architecture, Health Sciences, Law, Media Arts, and many other fields.
Through these experiences, students gain knowledge, confidence, and inspiration to pursue a brighter future.
Our Purpose
The College 1st Program exists to:
• Promote the importance of completing a postsecondary education for all students
• Expose students to fast-growing career opportunities through hands-on exploration and mentorship
• Develop essential success skills—communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking—that prepare students for college, career, and life
These experiences ignite curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to possibilities students may have never imagined.
Our Culture
A spirit of collaboration, creativity, and innovation defines the College 1st Team.
Our culture is mission-driven, flexible, and powered by purpose. We believe education can transform lives—and that sometimes one powerful experience can change a student’s entire trajectory.
Together, we inspire students to achieve what, in many cases, has never been achieved before in their families:
Earning and completing a postsecondary education.
Our team is composed of leaders, creators, and innovators who serve as excellent mentors and role models, bringing energy, empathy, and connection to every CAMP we deliver. Every team member contributes their story, their passion, and their expertise to a mission that is shaping the future of thousands of students across Texas.
The Internship Experience
This internship is designed for students seeking meaningful, career-relevant experience while making a lasting community impact.
As a College 1st Mentor, you will:
• Develop professional leadership, creativity, and communication skills
• Facilitate hands-on academic enrichment experiences
• Serve as a mentor and role model for students as they explore future college and career pathways
• Collaborate with a dynamic team committed to student success
• Gain experience in public speaking, leadership, and community outreach
You won’t just talk about careers and college—you’ll ignite purpose and possibility in the next generation of college students.
Many College 1st Team members tell us that their most powerful moment comes when a student says:
“I didn’t know I could do that.”
Your story could be the reason a student believes in their future.
Career and Graduate School Outcomes
College 1st Team members have advanced into careers with leading organizations including:
SpaceX
Intel
Toyota
Samsung
Texas Instruments
Halliburton
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance
Federal and State Agencies
School Districts
Engineering and Architecture Firms
Law Enforcement Agencies
Financial Institutions
Others have accumulated relevant professional experience to earn admission into highly competitive medical, law, dental, residency, and graduate university programs, including:
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Dell Medical School at The University of Texas of Austin
JPS Health Network
UTRGV Medical School
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry
Baylor University
Texas Christian University
New York University
and many others nationwide.
The College 1st Creative Media Team
We are also seeking talented students to join the College 1st Creative Media Team—storytellers who capture the magic of our CAMP experiences.
Creative Media Team members help document and share student impact through:
• Photography and videography
• Social media storytelling
• Feature articles and digital publications
• Video production and highlight reels
Our Creative Team uses the latest visual arts technology including Adobe Suite and generative AI tools to amplify student voices, celebrate success stories, and share the transformative impact of the College 1st Program with communities across Texas.
Join the Movement
Remember the mentor who changed your life?
Be that person for someone else.
If you’re ready to grow as a leader, make a meaningful impact, and become part of a dynamic team committed to transforming student futures, we invite you to join the College 1st Team.
Together, we inspire students to explore their potential, design their future, and Be Successful.