SECU Public Fellows Internship Program: Empowering Students and Communities

This summer, 20 students from NC State University had the opportunity to participate in the SECU Public Fellows Internship Program, a prestigious initiative funded by the State Employees Credit Union Foundation. These students embarked on meaningful internships across various non-profit and governmental organizations, contributing to community development while gaining invaluable professional experience.

The SECU Public Fellows Internship Program connected students to a diverse range of organizations, including:

• Bags of Hope
• Psychology for All
• Hanging Rock State Park
• Cooperative Christian Ministry
• Farm at Penny Lane
• Tri County Christian Crisis Ministry
• Cape Fear Valley Health
• Ashe Memorial Hospital Foundation
• Make A Wish
• Nature 4 Justice
• NC Cooperative – West Jefferson
• Eat, Drink, Triad
• Cabarrus County Courts
• King’s Table Church
• PEERS Family Development Center
• Legal Aid NC
• Community Council for the Arts
• WildSouth non-profit
• Haven House

These organizations provided the interns with unique experiences, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world settings and make tangible impacts in rural communities.

On Friday, July 26, the interns showcased their summer work at the Innovation Center in D.H. Hill Library as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium. This event was attended by members of the SECU board and the NC State community. The presentations highlighted the diverse projects and initiatives the interns were involved in, demonstrating their contributions and the skills they developed. Each student highlighted their data science project, adding a valuable technical skill to their professional toolkit. 

This work was done in collaboration with the NC State Data Science Academy, which provided each fellow with a graduate student mentor who offered guidance in completing their data projects.

Ray Levy, director of the Data Science Academy, attended the event and remarked, “I loved listening to their explanations and noticing that they come from disciplines across the university. I kept hearing the word ‘data’ all over the room!”

Students interested in participating for summer 2025 should submit their proposed internship opportunity to the Career Development Center by March 29, 2025. Priority is given to those from rural counties or pursuing opportunities in such areas. Eligibility criteria include being a full-time undergraduate student and a North Carolina resident, among others.

For more details, visit SECU Public Fellows Internship Program.

The SECU Public Fellows Internship Program is a remarkable initiative that empowers students to gain professional experience while contributing to community development. By providing financial support and connecting students with impactful organizations, the program fosters a spirit of service and professional excellence. If you are a student looking to make a difference and gain valuable skills, consider applying for this transformative internship opportunity.