Project IDEA
Project IDEA helps UTPB students access the resources, experiences, and support they need to complete their degrees and prepare for what comes next.
Supported by a $2.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Program, Project IDEA expands opportunities for low-income, first-generation, and Pell-eligible students pursuing bachelor's degrees at UTPB.
The grant began October 1, 2023, and continues through September 30, 2026. Project IDEA focuses on increasing student enrollment, retention, graduation, and career placement through academic support, paid internships, undergraduate research, and other student success initiatives.
Opportunities for Students
Paid Internships
Gain professional experience through paid, part-time internships supported by UTPB Career Services.
Undergraduate Research
Participate in the Research Program for Undergraduates and develop research skills through faculty-mentored projects.
Student Success Support
Access supplemental instruction, tutoring, mentoring, advising, and other resources supported through the Student Success Center.
Summer Bridge Experiences
High school students can connect with UTPB through summer camps and bridge experiences designed to support the transition to college.
For questions about these opportunities, contact dhsi@utpb.edu.
Paid Internships Build Career Experience
Internships help students connect classroom learning with real-world experience while developing professional skills, building networks, and exploring potential careers.
During the last academic year, 65 paid interns were placed with 51 local employers through UTPB's Project IDEA and Project STEM federal grant programs.
Over the past five years, UTPB has invested more than $2 million to support paid internship experiences across academic disciplines.
65
Paid interns
51
Local employers
$2M+
Invested in paid internship experiences over five years
Project IDEA and Project STEM internship impact
Why Internships Matter
Build Professional Experience
Apply classroom knowledge in a professional environment while developing skills employers value.
Grow Your Network
Build relationships with professionals and organizations that can help shape your career path.
Explore Career Possibilities
Experience different workplaces and industries while learning what kinds of roles and environments fit your goals.
Connect With the Permian Basin
More than 65% of UTPB graduates stay and work in the Permian Basin. Connecting students with local employers before graduation helps build relationships that can lead to long-term careers while strengthening the region's workforce.
From Internship to Career Opportunity
Jacqueline Vasquez | Finance
Jacqueline Vasquez turned a UTPB internship into a career opportunity after completing a tax internship with LL Services and being hired by the company at the conclusion of her internship. She later expanded her experience through an internship with Higginbotham and will continue developing her professional and leadership experience through the UT System Legislative Fellowship in Austin in Spring 2027.
Undergraduate Research
Project IDEA's Research Program for Undergraduates (RPU) expands opportunities for students to participate in undergraduate research and strengthen their research skills. Grant support may include funding for faculty mentors, participating students, and project supplies.
Faculty Development
Project IDEA supports faculty development designed to strengthen teaching and student success at UTPB. Faculty opportunities include training through ESCALA Educational Services and learning opportunities with visiting lecturers.
Meet the Project IDEA Team
Dr. Omar Beg
Activity Director
Priscilla Badillo
Administrative Assistant
*The contents of this webpage were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.