Del Valle High School Students Land Paid Internship at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Impress with Advanced Skills
DEL VALLE, Texas — July 20, 2026 — The Del Valle ISD Education Foundation (DVISDEF) is celebrating a new partnership that placed two Del Valle High School juniors in paid internships at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Motorpool Division, giving them hands-on experience at one of the region's leading employers.
The students, both from Del Valle High School's Career & Technical Education (CTE) automotive program, are spending eight weeks alongside experienced AUS technicians, maintaining and repairing the vehicles airport staff rely on every day. Because of their advanced training at Del Valle High School, the interns have been able to contribute directly to the work, rather than just shadowing or observing.
During a recent behind-the-scenes visit to the Motorpool Division, their CTE teacher Mr. Lee Hays could not hide his pride watching his students in action, seeing their classroom training translate into confident, capable work on the shop floor. The Motorpool supervisors have been equally impressed that Del Valle interns already possess skills well beyond an entry-level trainee.
“This is exactly the kind of partnership we strive to build,” said Josh Thomas, Executive Director of the Del Valle ISD Education Foundation. “Our district’s CTE programs prepare students to succeed in the region’s most high-demand careers, and we offer employers consistent access to workforce-ready talent.”
“It has been a privilege to welcome the Del Valle ISD students to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport this summer,” said Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. “Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn have been inspiring and have made a lasting impression on our team. Through our partnership with Del Valle ISD, we are providing students with meaningful, real-world experiences while introducing them to the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available across the aviation industry. We are excited to continue growing this partnership, expand opportunities with our airport business partners, and help inspire the workforce that will shape the future of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the aviation industry for years to come.”
Del Valle Independent School District educates nearly 12,000 students in southeast Travis County and offers more than a dozen CTE pathways, including health sciences, advanced manufacturing, software development, graphic design, culinary arts, and skilled trades.
Businesses interested in hosting Del Valle High School interns next summer can reach out to info@dvisdef.org for details.
About the Del Valle ISD Education Foundation The Del Valle ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports students, teachers, and families across Del Valle ISD. In addition to providing student scholarships, classroom grants, and crisis assistance, the foundation facilitates community partnerships that expand opportunity to college and career, including work-based learning and summer internships. Learn more at dvisdef.org, on Facebook, and Instagram.
About Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Owned by the City of Austin and operated by Austin Aviation, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport achieved large-hub status by the Federal Aviation Administration for the first time in 2022. Austin-Bergstrom is an economic engine, supplying over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Central Texas region. The airport serves approximately 20 million passengers a year and is home to over 40 local brands to shop and dine at, 8 live music stages and more than 15 airlines. As we build the airport’s largest improvement program in its history, we are redefining the travel experience in one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. For the latest news, real-time flight information, careers information, and details on the many services provided at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport visit FlyAustin.com. You can also follow Austin-Bergstrom on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Contact: Josh Thomas, Del Valle ISD Education Foundation Executive Director | 512-360-0746 | josh@dvisdef.org
