Two El Dorado High School students have been selected for a competitive summer internship with Textron Aviation, gaining hands-on experience in engineering and aircraft manufacturing.
Erick Lopez and Taidhgin Mora-Bruce will participate in the program in Wichita in June and July 2026, where they will work alongside industry professionals and learn foundational skills in aviation and engineering.
Mora-Bruce said he learned about the opportunity through a friend of his brother, who is also an EHS graduate and former Textron intern, Michael Riddle. He then shared the information with Lopez, so he could apply as well.
The multi-step application process included applying online through Textron’s careers website and submitting a resume. Next, qualified applicants were invited to interview in person at Textron’s Wichita offices.
“They ask you a list of prewritten questions, and then you get the opportunity to ask them questions,” Lopez said.
The internship will provide hands-on technical experience. Interns will learn basic engineering skills such as 3D modeling, circuitry and programming while working with computer-aided design software to assist in assembling aircraft parts.
“The one thing I look forward to is being there to help make planes,” Lopez said.
Both students said the experience will play a key role in shaping their futures. Lopez hopes the internship will strengthen his resume and lead to additional opportunities in the field. Mora-Bruce said the program will provide valuable real-world engineering experience and open doors for future careers.
“This will be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door,” Mora-Bruce said.
After graduation, Lopez plans to attend Kansas State University to study mechanical engineering. Mora-Bruce plans to attend Wichita State University to pursue aerospace engineering.