Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program (MLEIP): Information for Students

Please email us at internship@tceq.texas.gov if you would like to be added to our mailing list for the latest updates.

What is an MLEIP Internship?

An MLEIP internship offers college students a glimpse into the future of environmental science and conservation, helping them launch their careers. MLEIP interns are UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE students who are given the unique opportunity to collaborate with scientific, technical, and business leaders at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), other public sector entities, or private industry employers across the beautiful state of Texas. This paid, full-time summer internship prepares future leaders by enabling college students to perform meaningful work, build marketable skills and expand their network of professional contacts.

Our Leland interns are DIVERSE, TALENTED, BOLD, RESILIENT, INNOVATIVE, CURIOUS, RESOURCEFUL, IMAGINATIVE, AND MOTIVATED. Does this describe you? Apply to join the MLEIP Class of 2023.

MLEIP Mission

• Heighten the awareness and encourage the participation of minorities, women, and economically disadvantaged college/university students regarding environmental-related issues and policies.
• Develop a diversified work force within Texas' environmental agencies and private corporations by promoting employment opportunities for students exploring future careers in environmental and related fields.
• Train and equip students as environmental professionals and future leaders.

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Am I Eligible?

Ready to apply for a game-changing internship experience? Check out the eligibility requirements:

• Undergraduate student with minimum 60 credit hours completed at the end of the spring 2023 semester OR a current graduate student. Eligible undergraduate AND graduate students enrolled at an accredited educational institution in Texas, across the United States, or outside of the United States may apply.
• Enrolled full time during the spring semester 2023 with a minimum 2.0 academic grade point average. Eligible students who are graduating spring 2023 may apply for summer 2023 internship assignments.
• Eligible to work in the United States. TCEQ hires international students as MLEIP interns if they are eligible to work in the U.S.; however, TCEQ does not sponsor international students.
• While the majority of MLEIP internship assignments are STEM related, all majors are encouraged to apply.

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How Do I Apply?

First, submit an online application form . Applications are being accepted December 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023. If possible, submit your online application first before submitting any supporting documents.

Next, submit all of the following supporting documents (may be submitted separately or together):

• An academic or professional letter of recommendation. Your reference may email the letter directly or you may email the letter. There is no specific form or format for the letter of recommendation. You are responsible for following up with your reference to confirm letter has been sent.
• A scanned and legible official academic transcript to include courses in progress spring semester 2023 may be submitted by student or emailed directly by university.
• Verification of spring semester 2023 enrollment (required only if transcript does not list courses in progress during spring semester 2023).

E-mail supporting documents to: internship@tceq.texas.gov.

NOTE: Complete application packages (online application and all supporting documents) received by February 28, 2023 deadline have the best opportunity for review and selection by sponsors/managers. Incomplete application packages (for example, missing the online application or related documents) may not be considered. 

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What is the timeline for the 2023 Mickey Leland Internship Program?

Event	Date
Student Applications Accepted Starting	December 1, 2022
Student Application Deadline	February 28, 2023
Sponsors Submit Request	January - May 2023
Sponsors Interview Candidates	March - May 2023
Candidates Notified of Selection	April - May 2023
Interns Start their Assignments	May-June 2023
Interns End their Assignments*	August 31, 2023 *
2023 Program Concludes	August 31, 2023

* Individual intern assignments may end prior to August 31, 2023 to allow student to return to school for the fall semester. Actual start and end dates of internship assignments and duration will vary and are agreed upon by the hiring manager and intern.

MLEIP internship assignments are not available in spring or fall.

MLEIP Class of 2019 at Intern Conference

Where will I intern in Texas?

Interns are assigned to a specific work location (either at TCEQ, another public sector entity, or a private industry  employer) in Texas based on business needs and the student’s geographic location preference. Interns are responsible for funding and handling their own housing and relocation arrangements.

While most intern assignments are in Austin, candidates may also select from the following Texas locations. If the internship assignment is remote or hybrid, specifics will be discussed during the interview.

• Abilene
• Amarillo
• Austin
• Beaumont
• Corpus Christi
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Eagle Pass
• El Paso
• Harlingen
• Houston
• Laredo
• Lubbock
• Midland
• San Angelo
• San Antonio
• Sugarland
• Tyler
• Waco

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What are my internship duties?

One size does not fit all! MLEIP internship duties are widely varied and typically driven by the student’s major; skills and experience; and geographic location preference. Interns at TCEQ may be placed on a project team to learn how our agency executes its mission of protecting the environment. The goal of MLEIP internships is for students to perform meaningful work related to their field of study/interest. This is an exciting opportunity to explore an organization's culture; learn workplace policies and procedures; networking with fellow interns and hiring managers; and build a  portfolio of marketable skills.

As an MLEIP intern, you will be expected to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of your assigned position and abide by the policies and procedures of your employing agency or organization. This may include background checks and/or drug testing.

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MLEIP Interns Have Impact and Influence

Following are just a few of the positions Leland interns have secured on their career journey:

-Attorney

-Biologist

-Business Development Supervisor

-Chemist

-Chief Operations Officer

-Community Engagement Specialist

-Deputy Executive Director

-Director, Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation

-Enforcement Coordinator

-Engineer

-Environmental Consultant

-Environmental Investigator

-Environmental Permit Specialist

-Environmental Program Coordinator

-Environmental Protection Specialist 

-Emissions Evaluator

-Field Environmental Specialist

-Geologist

-GIS Analyst

-Human Resources Manager

-Information Specialist

-Legal Fellow

-Meteorologist

-Natural Resources Specialist

-Product Marketing Manager

-Regional Office Director

-Software Developer

-Training Specialist

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MLEIP Interns in the News

For a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the work MLEIP interns perform, check out:

• Internships Offer Valuable Experiences that Will Help Protect the Environment, TCEQ News, July 2019
• Internship Provides TCEQ with Highly Qualified Employees, TCEQ News  February 2018
• Not Just an Internship, MLEIP Natural Outlook Article , August 2016

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Are You a Former or Current MLEIP Intern interested in employment at TCEQ?

Submit a State of Texas Application for a posted position or apply to the Transitions Hiring Program.

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