The Woodlands Christian Academy’s Summer Internship program connects a school community

THE WOODLANDS, TX – It’s back-to-school season at The Woodlands Christian Academy, but Upper School students Andrew Cockrill, Joey Orr, Jack Janiszewski, Knox Trevathan, Chloe Welch, and Paul Formica essentially never left back in May when classes let out. Instead, they have spent their summer on campus as technology interns, with two of them – Cockrill and Welch – back for a second year.

“This internship has changed the way I see technology in schools. I previously didn’t realize how much work goes into setting up iPads and MacBooks for hundreds of students and teachers. It has given me a better appreciation for the technology we have here at the school,” said class of 2025 graduate Cockrill.

During the school year, these students take a class where Helpdesk Support Specialist, Katie Teixiera, serves as their teacher. They become certified Apple repair technicians and help at the Tech Helpdesk during the school year. A handful of students are then offered a paid summer internship.

During the summer, they continue to report to Mrs. Teixiera but support the entire Technology team full-time Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Their first big task as interns is to prepare devices for the new school year. Mrs. Teixiera shared how the tech aides have stepped up in a big way.

“They gave up their summer to prepare hundreds of laptops and iPads for the new school year. Since then, they’ve been the go-to support for both students and staff every day,” said Teixiera. “They’re a huge help getting new hires set up with their devices and comfortable with the systems they’ll be using. They don’t look for recognition, but the truth is, we really lean on them.”

The interns work on everything from projectors and Apple TVs to Promethean boards. They can assist with networking and cable management and provide walk-in and phone-based tech support – just like the rest of the TWCA Technology team.

Additionally, the interns seem to enjoy the experience, too, which makes for a great work environment.

“What drew me to this type of summer job was being able to work with friends I’ve made this past school year. It makes the job a whole lot easier when you’re having fun while working,” said senior Orr. “It’s a great way to make some money and hang out with friends at the same time. You can also be part of the behind-the-scenes look at the tech department preparing for the upcoming school year. “

Cockrill says the job has pushed him out of his comfort zone in a good way.

“Many people don't want to give up summer, especially right before college, but I know it will help me down the road,” he said.

As summer winds down, the academy feels that it is important to recognize students who choose an unconventional way to connect during their summer break by giving back to their school.

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