New UTSA internship empowers students to lead in AI innovation

APRIL 28, 2025 — UTSA has launched the Student AI Partner Internship, a new program that puts students at the forefront of artificial intelligence in higher education. Currently, the internship engages 12 undergraduate students that serve as campus trailblazers — testing generative AI tools, supporting other students, faculty and staff, and helping shape the future of teaching and learning.

Envisioned by UTSA Academic Innovation and designed and implemented in partnership with UTSA Student Success, this paid internship is a bold step in the university’s ongoing efforts to rapidly scale AI integration across campus. It builds on momentum sparked by the release of ChatGPT in late 2022 and reflects UTSA’s commitment to preparing students for an AI-powered workforce.

“We wanted to create a cohort of students trained in generative AI who could act as peer coaches and mentors,” said Melissa Vito, UTSA vice provost for academic innovation. “This internship aligns with our goals to integrate AI into workforce readiness and real-world learning.”

“Our vision is for UTSA graduates to leave here being proficient in AI and capable of leading organizations through AI transformation.”

Interns earn microcredentials in both AI and communication as part of their training, gaining hands-on experience while collaborating on pilot projects with UTSA faculty, staff and fellow students. Their work will help identify best practices for using AI in classrooms, operations, student support and career development. Interns will also serve as AI ambassadors, encouraging innovation and championing ethical, effective AI practices across the university. As the program grows, these students will be able to provide coaching on AI to staff and industry and businesses in San Antonio.

“Working directly with students allows us to capture their unique insights into AI adoption,” said Marcela Ramirez, UTSA associate vice provost. “That feedback is critical as we support faculty in building engaging, future-focused courses.”

The idea for the internship emerged from informal conversations that quickly evolved into a cross-departmental initiative with support from Academic Innovation and Student Success. The design team piloted the model with six interns in summer of 2024 and doubled the number of interns in Spring 2025.

“This isn’t just about using AI; it’s about applying it,” Ramirez added. “We’re already planning ways to expand the model to include industry partnerships, giving students even more real-world exposure.”

“Our collaboration across departments is what makes this possible,” said Amy Buechler-Steubing, UTSA associate vice provost for strategic initiatives and learning innovation. “We’re building systems of support that touch every part of the student and faculty experience.”

“When we center student voice and design with them, we empower future-ready learners equipped to lead, adapt and thrive,” Buechler-Steubing added.

Laying the Groundwork for a Future-Forward Campus

The internship builds on a broader ecosystem of innovation at UTSA. The division of Academic Innovation continues to lead with tools like Canvas, Adobe, VR/XR and the Generative AI Cloud Repository. Initiatives like the GenAI Peer Learning Network connect faculty across disciplines and offer resources to navigate the evolving AI landscape.

This momentum will carry forward with the launch of UTSA’s new College of AI, Cyber and Computing in 2025. The college expands on the success of the School of Data Science and will drive interdisciplinary research, cutting-edge instruction and economic impact.

“Our vision is for UTSA graduates to leave here being proficient in AI and capable of leading organizations through AI transformation,” Vito said. “By starting with hands-on experience and peer collaboration, we’re building the foundation for a generation of innovators who will help shape how AI is used across industries.”

Students who complete the internship will share best practices and outcomes from working with faculty, staff and their peers during a special showcase in the Academic Innovation Center in early May 2025.

From its early experiments in 2022 to today’s student-powered AI internship, UTSA is defining what it means to be a future-ready institution. The university’s leadership in AI education continues to grow, ensuring that Roadrunners are equipped not just to adapt — but to lead — in an AI-driven world.

— Brett Copeland