Mesquite, TX – July 23, 2021 – On July 23, the City of Mesquite and local businesses recognized 18 summer interns, celebrating the end of the City of Mesquite’s Summer Youth Internship Program. The program allows income eligible Mesquite students, ages 15-17, to gain meaningful job experience beyond the classroom and the opportunity to acquire skills to secure future employment. 

Students went through a paid six-week internship, working with a City department or a local Mesquite business. Each intern received a Certificate of Achievement for completing the program and a letter of recommendation.

Two of the many success stories from this year’s program are West Mesquite High School student Emily Macedo and Poteet High School student Javonni Estudillo. Their internship at Clown Co. Screen Print and Embroidery has led to both earning part-time jobs after the program has ended.

Clown Co. Owner Mike McWhorter said, “Emily and Javonni have been great. They both jumped right in, learned new skills and how to use the equipment. They really took advantage of this opportunity. I look forward to them returning to our company as employees.”

Javonni shared that he hopes to serve in the United States Air Force and study architecture at the University of North Texas, and Emily plans to complete her certification for phlebotomy, then attend Baylor University and become a surgeon. 

McWhorter shared, “As a local business in Mesquite for decades, I am so proud to be a part of this program and give these awesome kids a chance to be successful.” McWhorter started the Clown Co. as a home-grown business in 1986 and it has now grown to a 7,200 square foot operation located at 706 East Kearney Street.

Four interns also performed a variety of jobs for Historic Mesquite Inc. (HMI). Xavier, Ashton, Jarvis, and Trinity accomplished many odd jobs that no one else has had time to do for HMI because of the pandemic and having no in person volunteers. The students worked to get HMI's new collections storage area in proper numerical order after their recent move, they touched up painting on some wooden outbuildings, hand washed porches on HMI's hundred year old houses, worked in flower beds around the visitor center, uncovered laid stone that represents the yard fence of the Lawrence house, trimmed trees and and plants on the nature trail and outdoor classroom. 

The list of all the companies that participated in the program were:

 Angel TWC, LLC
City of Mesquite Volunteer Services Department
City of Mesquite Office of Neighborhood Vitality
City of Mesquite Department of Engineering
City of Mesquite Department of Housing and Community Services
Clown Co. Screen Print and Embroidery
Mesquite Arts Center
Mesquite Animal Shelter
Mesquite Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
Mesquite Library Services
Mission East Dallas