TCEQ - Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program (Statewide)(Students Only)

About the Program

The MLEIP prepares undergraduate and graduate students for the next step in their career journey through a paid, full-time summer internship, either at TCEQ or with one of our partnering organizations, such as other state agencies, county and city government, or in the private sector in Texas. This nationally recognized program provides college students with the opportunity to collaborate with scientific, technical, and business leaders while performing meaningful work. MLEIP internship assignments are not available in spring or fall.

Locations

Our regional offices are: Austin, Abilene, Amarillo, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Harlingen, Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, San Angelo, Tyler, and Waco. If you are interested in interning in Austin, affordable housing options may be available.

Eligibility Requirements

While the majority of MLEIP internship assignments are STEM-related, all majors are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be:

• An undergraduate student who has completed at least 60 semester hours at the end of the spring 2027 semester OR a current graduate student enrollee.
• 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 2027 and have a minimum academic grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application (eligible students who are graduating spring 2027 may apply for summer 2027 internship assignments).
• Eligible to work in the United States. (TCEQ may hire international students as MLEIP interns if they are eligible to work in the U.S. however, TCEQ does not sponsor international students).
• Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.

Application Requirements

Applications are accepted September 7, 2026, through February 28, 2027. To complete the application process, you must email the following supporting documents:

• An academic or professional letter of recommendation - Due no later than 2/28/2027
• A copy of your current official or unofficial university transcript - Due no later than 2/28/2027
• Verification of spring semester enrollment (required only if transcript does not list courses in progress during spring semester) - Due no later than 2/28/2027

Supporting documents should be emailed to: internship@tceq.texas.gov

Complete application packages (online application and all supporting documents) received by the February 28, 2027 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.

Additional Information

• MLEIP interns are expected to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of their assigned position and abide by the policies and procedures of the employing agency or organization. This may include background checks and/or drug testing.
• 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.