The program is funded by the Harris County Community Development Department through the U.S. Department of Labor's Work Investment Act. The program, which began in 1993, consists of one orientation week, two weeks of classroom instruction and two weeks at a job site.
Students then reconvene the final week to discuss their experiences.
During the classroom portion of the program, students learn resume writing and interviewing skills, participate in self-awareness and diversity training workshops and conduct scientific experiments using household products, a process that also enhances their reading and writing skills in addition to their knowledge of science. Participating students then travelled to several Texas Medical Center institutions for hands-on work experience. Inc. According to Dr. Launey F. Roberts, Jr., president and CEO of EES Educational Services, Inc. and the program coordinator, the internship not only provides workplace experience, it also gives students an opportunity to explore various careers in the scientific and medical fields. Upon completion of the program, organizers received comments from students about their experience working with others as well as about the benefits of learning practical skills like resume writing and applying for a job.