Career & Economic Development
Empowering growth and building futures
Step-Up Internship Program
Real-world experience with lasting impact
The Step-Up Internship Program is more than just a job — it’s a launchpad for career growth. Between 2021 and 2024, 120 interns earned over $500,000 while gaining critical workplace skills and contributing to meaningful public service.
In 2024 alone, 39 interns worked nearly 10,000 hours, with some using their earnings to support their families or achieve personal milestones like purchasing a car. Interns gain firsthand experience in public governance, setting the stage for future leadership in our communities.
Applications open for cohort in March of 2026.
Where are they now?
Biz2Empower – Small Business Accelerator
Empowering Our Community and Driving Economic Prosperity!
Biz2Empower is our award-winning 8-week accelerator providing small businesses with intensive training, coaching, funding opportunities, and networking to succeed in today’s competitive market. Since its inception, 106 businesses have graduated, collectively generating over $12 million in contracts and financing. Whether launching or scaling, Biz2Empower equips entrepreneurs to thrive.
Training Highlights
- Simplifying Government Contracts
- Credit Smart for Small Business
- Competitive Bid Pricing Strategies
- Networking & Collaborative Opportunities
- Funding & Contracting Assistance
- Co-Working and Technology Access
- Strategic Partnerships & Support
Small Business Incubator Lab
As a part of the growth of our Accelerator, we launched the Biz2Empower Small Business Incubator Lab. This lab space is dedicated to offering essential business resources, hands-on workshops, and collaborative support at no cost. We bring in small business experts from the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center, BakerRipley, and others to make sure our small businesses are equipped with the most resources available to grow.
Thanks to Comcast and our partners, participants gain access to mentorship, co-working spaces, and networking opportunities — all free of charge.
Precinct 2 WORKFORCE Programs
See how our Precinct 2 workforce programs engage, educate, and empower our community members who want to work.
YouthBuild
Powered by Eight Million Stories
Partnership with Sunset Community Pre-Schools, Houston Habitat for Humanity, Precinct2gether, 8 Million Stories
Services Provided:
- GED classes and test
- Hands on Training in general construction, safety and contracting
- Employability and life skills
Program Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9AM to 2:30PM
Location: Sunset Methodist Church (Adult Education Building), 709 Allendale Road, Pasadena, TX 77502
Age Restrictions: 17 – 24, Not working, not high school diploma or GED, and considered “at promise”
Zip Code Restrictions: 77502, 77004, 77033, 77503, 77504, 77506, 77587, 77017, 77087, 77081
Contact:
- Phone: 832.488.0539
- Email: shernandez@eightmillonstories.org