McKinney ISD is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Public Relations & Communications Student Internship Program, an innovative initiative designed to provide high school juniors and seniors with authentic, hands-on experience in strategic communications, digital media, storytelling and public relations.
Beginning this school year, selected students will work alongside the McKinney ISD Public Relations & Communications Department, gaining real-world experience while helping tell the stories that celebrate students, staff and schools across the district.
The internship reflects McKinney ISD's commitment to providing meaningful career-connected learning experiences that prepare students for success beyond graduation.
Throughout the program, interns will contribute to a variety of district communication efforts, including:
Social media content creation and campaign development
Photography and videography at district events
Graphic design and branding projects
Writing feature stories, website content and newsletters
Interviewing students and staff
Supporting district marketing and community engagement initiatives
Students will have opportunities to cover events such as convocation, graduation ceremonies, athletics competitions, fine arts performances and campus celebrations while learning industry best practices in photography, videography, branding, digital storytelling and professional communication.
In addition to building technical skills, interns will receive mentorship from communications professionals and gain experience working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The program also emphasizes portfolio development, allowing students to graduate with professional work samples that showcase their creativity and communication skills.
Participants will receive training in district communication standards, social media strategy, photography and videography fundamentals, branding, messaging and workplace professionalism. Upon successful completion of the internship, students may earn an internship certificate, a letter of recommendation, portfolio feedback and recognition by the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees.
The Public Relations & Communications Student Internship Program is open to McKinney ISD juniors and seniors with an interest in journalism, public relations, marketing, graphic design, photography, videography, broadcasting, social media or digital media production. While previous experience is encouraged, students from a variety of backgrounds were invited to apply.
The program is designed to strengthen students' career readiness while helping the district tell the stories that make McKinney ISD exceptional.
The inaugural internship program marks another step in McKinney ISD's ongoing commitment to innovation, student leadership and real-world learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge with future careers.
This year, we are excited to have--
McKinney Boyd High School: Tyler Jorgenson (Junior),Finley Benson,(Junior), Alexa Elgersma(Senior) and Ean Scott (Junior)
McKinney High School: Riley Aguillard(Senior), Cason Starnes (Junior), Philip McGee (Senior), Grace Mueller (Senior) and Leah Peters (Junior)
McKinney North High School: Sara Hinckley(Senior) and Ariana Payne (Junior)