The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) continues to be a strong advocate in growing the next generation of leaders across the greater Houston region, as shown by its continued participation in the University of Houston’s Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP).
As part of the Hobby School of Public Affairs, university juniors and seniors are matched with local government offices, nonprofit organizations, campaigns and private sector businesses. HCDE joins the offices of state legislators, City Council members, Harris and Fort Bend county officials and departments in hosting Spring 2026 CHIP interns.
Zahra Imam and Lucia Romo will work with HCDE’s Education Foundation of Harris County and Civic Engagement teams, respectively, through May. Interns work an average of eight hours per week and receive upper-level political science or public policy credit.
“Now more than ever locally, education foundations are stepping up to serve communities that are in need and disadvantaged,” said Imam, who interned with the 328th Judicial District Court in 2024. “I’m hoping to learn about that and how things have changed since government cuts.”
Added Romo, who also interned with the Houston City Council – At-Large #1 Office: “I’m really passionate about people being able to vote. You can have a voice by voting so I feel like everybody should get the choice to vote if they’re eligible to.”
HCDE has partnered with CHIP since Fall 2024. Other divisions have had interns, such as the Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids, which welcomed its first intern in at least a dozen years in September.