The Elsa Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is excited to continue our collaboration with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and Workforce Solutions (WFS) as part of the Lead Internship Initiative. After a successful pilot program last year, we are thrilled to announce that we have welcomed two talented interns for the Fall 2024 semester, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to our team.
This ongoing partnership reaffirms our commitment to fostering the next generation of professionals and providing UTRGV students with invaluable, hands-on experience. By integrating these students into real-world projects, we not only support their career development but also enhance the growth and development of Elsa and the surrounding Delta area.
Meet Our Interns
Maximilano Sanchez – Mechanical Engineering Intern
Maximilano, or Max, is a Mechanical Engineering student at UTRGV. Although his primary field of study is mechanical engineering, Max is diving into civil engineering-related projects during his time with the EDC. His internship focuses on learning about infrastructure and city planning processes while contributing to Elsa’s growth.
Max is working on several key projects with both the EDC and the City Planning Department, gaining hands-on experience in the Pacific Trails Park project, as well as vital infrastructure improvements such as water and sewer plant development and subdivision planning. This internship is providing him with a well-rounded understanding of how civil engineering plays a crucial role in community development, helping him broaden his skill set and knowledge base.
While Max is here to gain experience in civil engineering, his background in mechanical engineering provides a unique perspective that adds depth to the city’s projects. His work will help ensure that these developments contribute to Elsa’s growth while maintaining high standards for quality and efficiency.
Jose Franco – Data Science Intern
Jose is a Computer Science major specializing in Data Science at UTRGV. As part of his internship, Jose is working closely with the EDC to analyze data using Placer AI software. This platform allows us to gather essential insights on traffic patterns, retail trends, and economic growth indicators, all of which help Elsa better forecast future developments and investment opportunities.
Jose’s work focuses on translating data into actionable insights, aiding the EDC in making strategic decisions that will drive economic growth. By combining his academic knowledge with real-world applications, Jose is helping us understand growth trends, not just in traffic but in retail as well—important factors that shape how we plan for Elsa’s future development.
The Importance of the Lead Internship Initiative
The continuation of our partnership with UTRGV and WFS through the Lead Internship Initiative highlights the value of experiential learning in today’s educational landscape. Through this program, UTRGV students gain real-world experience while also contributing to their local communities.
Daniel Rivera, Executive Director of the Elsa EDC, shares, “We are excited to welcome Max and Jose to our team and look forward to seeing the impact they will have on our ongoing projects. The success of last year’s program demonstrated the positive contributions our interns can make, and we are proud to continue being part of a program that fosters professional growth and community development. This initiative is about more than just providing work experience—it’s about equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed, while simultaneously ensuring the growth of Elsa.”
What’s Next?
As we continue to participate in the Lead Internship Initiative, we are committed to offering these students the resources and mentorship they need to thrive. Both Max and Jose have already begun making significant contributions, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish as the semester progresses.
Through our work with UTRGV and WFS, we are helping to create a brighter future for Elsa and the entire Rio Grande Valley, one talented student at a time.
Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting work being done here at Elsa EDC and the contributions of our interns. We believe that this program, now in its second year, will continue to build a strong pipeline of talent for the future.
