Competitive SECU Public Fellows Program selects 20 ECU students for summer internships

Competitive SECU Public Fellows Program selects 20 ECU students for summer internships

GREENVILLE, N.C. (06/04/2026) - Twenty East Carolina University students have been selected for the SECU Public Fellows Internship Program, where they will spend the summer supporting community projects and public service initiatives across eastern North Carolina.

Now in its 12th year at ECU, the competitive program received applications from more than 60 students - and more than 30 organizations seeking to host interns. Twenty students and internship sites were selected for the 2026 cohort, including six organizations participating for the first time.

Funded by the State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) Foundation, the program provides students with paid, hands-on professional experience while helping local governments, nonprofits, educational institutions and economic development agencies address community challenges and priorities.

Interns will complete 330 internship hours with organizations across 10 North Carolina counties, contributing to a wide range of community-based projects. Responsibilities will include strategic planning, water quality testing and reporting, artifact conservation, leading summer camps, developing community programming, and coordinating public events such as festivals and fundraisers. Additional projects will provide students with valuable hands-on experience while supporting the ongoing needs and growth of local communities and organizations throughout the region.

"This internship experience creates meaningful benefits for both students and community partners," said program manager Cassie Keel. "Organizations gain fresh perspectives and valuable support on local initiatives, while students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, grow professionally and explore future career opportunities. It's a collaborative experience that strengthens communities while preparing students for success."

The 2026 SECU Public Fellows and internships are:

• Ashley Rice, NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island
• Katlyn Dalby, Beaufort Hyde Partnership for Children
• Katrina Williams, Sylvan Heights Bird Park
• Mia Boujie, Emerge
• Zach Wray, Kelly Center of Hope
• Mikaela Howard, Martin Pitt Partnership for Children
• Hannah Gurganus, Sound Rivers
• William H. Sauls, Pamlico County Economic Development
• Vicktoria Vaulx, Greater Greenville Chamber
• Madison Torres, The EPIC Center
• Allicia Best, Koinonia Community Center
• Azareya Bartlett, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern North Carolina
• Mauricio Bautista, Jones County Managers Office
• Jaci Vaughan, Conetoe Family Life Center
• Kennedy Hoskins, Office of State Archaeology
• Adam Dowd, Beaufort County Economic Development
• Jon McDowell, Washington County Managers Office
• Ananya Chatterjee, ACES for Autism
• Cathryn Haynes, Pocosin School of Fine Craft
• Storey Skinner, Aurora Fossil Museum

ECU has served as a founding partner of the program since its launch in 2014.

"I can't imagine a program that better reflects the heart of ECU's mission of student success, public service and regional transformation than the SECU Public Fellows Internship," said Sharon Paynter, senior vice provost for research and innovation. "These students are building a foundation for future career success, but they are also serving as ambassadors for ECU. Their work demonstrates the value of this partnership and the impact that continued investment in the internship program can have on our students, communities and region."

To date, 205 ECU students have completed internships with 85 organizations across 25 North Carolina counties, helping communities strengthen its capacity to address local challenges while expanding opportunities for experiential learning.

The SECU Public Fellows Internship Program is open to ECU undergraduates who are North Carolina residents and have completed at least 60 semester credit hours.

Learn more about the SECU Public Fellows internship program.

Contact: Frank Piemonte, [email protected], 914-806-2132

Photo: Headshots available upon request

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