On May 12, 2025, Dallas officials convened to discuss critical initiatives aimed at enhancing workforce development and educational equity for the city's youth. The meeting highlighted the launch of the Mayor's Summer Internship Program, which aims to address the significant issue of underemployment among young adults in Dallas.

Lynn McBeal, a key figure in the Office of Community Care and Empowerment, emphasized the importance of upskilling adults aged 25 to 64, noting that 35 to 40% of Dallas residents are currently in low-income jobs. The Mayor's Summer Internship Program, facilitated by the All Stars Project, is designed to provide meaningful job experiences for high school students, helping them develop essential workplace skills and confidence.

Antoine Joyce, a representative from the All Stars Project, detailed the organization's 40-year history of fostering youth development through performance-based learning. He explained that the program aims to make Dallas a leading region for effective internships, with a focus on preparing young people for the workforce. The initiative has already placed over 200 young people in paid summer internships since its inception in 2013.

The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by both interns and employers, including a lack of preparedness for workforce opportunities and dissatisfaction with internship outcomes. To combat these issues, the All Stars Project has implemented workshops that equip young people with vital skills, such as confidence, interpersonal communication, and vocational competence.

The Dallas Works program, a new pilot initiative, aims to reach over 1,000 young people this year, offering career-ready workshops and paid internships. Participants will receive training in various areas, including budgeting and conflict resolution, to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles. The program is designed to be inclusive, allowing students to opt in regardless of their academic performance.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed gratitude for the support of Mayor Johnson and the council, while also highlighting the need for continued funding and community involvement to secure additional internship placements. The overarching goal remains clear: to empower Dallas youth with the skills and opportunities necessary for a successful future in the workforce.