What is HBCUI NPS
HBCUI NPS, or Historically Black College University Internships, is a source for HBCU students to look for internships within their areas of interest to gain experience or meet a credit requirement.
HBCUI specifically focuses on allowing HBCU students to work with national parks and within nature. HBCUI NPS gives multiple opportunities for both current undergraduate and graduate students.
Meet The Interns
This year’s cohort consists of 19 students who are spread throughout America and are working in various areas.
Braxton Brody
“Introducing Braxton Broady, a Savannah, Georgia native currently attending Morehouse College and a Public History Fellow based at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument this summer. Through his volunteer work with Beverly Stone, the first Black woman to be Mayor of Stone Mountain, he has been inspired to amplify Black voices through any means possible. Which is why he is so excited to start his work with The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. This summer he will be tasked with researching the extent and impact of Gullah people in St. Johns County. Broady states “I have always felt a deep connection to the Gullah Geechee people’s story of strength and resilience” further elaborating “My goal for this experience is to immerse myself in the Gullah Geechee community, learn from their traditions, and contribute to preserving and sharing their rich heritage.”
R’ion Featherstone
“Introducing R’Eion Featherstone, a Columbus, Ohio native currently attending Central State University and a Training and Professional Development Intern based at the National Parks of Boston this summer. She has worked extensively in her local community and on her campus including leadership in multiple organizations such as Dancing Belles, university ambassador, and her local chapter of the NAACP.
This summer R’Eion will be working closely with the National Parks of Boston to prepare for U250. This is the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary which will occur in 2026. She will be tasked with supporting the U250 Training and Professional Development working group and designing curriculum materials to help staff understand and implement the fundamental principles of U250.”
KaNya Turner
“Introducing KaNya Turner, a Douglasville, Georgia native currently attending Spelman College and a Park Planning Fellow based at the Midwest Regional Office this summer. Her interest in architecture has led her to this internship where she will learn to hone her skills and is planning to pursue a masters degree in the field after she completes her bachelors program.
This summer KaNya will support park planning projects that will improve national park infrastructure, expand visitor access and opportunities, evaluate potential new park sites as authorized by Congress, and engage local communities and organizations in the planning processes. She says she looks forward to learning new skills, meeting new people, and becoming a useful part of my team.”
Nilreign Johnson
“Introducing Nilreign Johnson, an Auburn, Alabama native currently attending Tuskegee University and a Historic Interpretive intern based at the Manassas National Battlefield Park. With a passion for Urban Planning and Landscape Design he is ready to take on new role as an interpreter.
When not immersed in studies, Nilreign enjoys kicking a soccer ball around on weekends. With prior internships at the National Park Service under his belt, Nilreign aims to deepen their understanding of history and enhance their ability to create enriching park resources. Their goal is to offer visitors and history enthusiasts a fresh perspective on park experiences.”
Adriana Thomas
“Introducing, Adriana Thomas, a Richmond, Virginia native currently attending Virginia State University and a Cultural Resources Management & Labor History Intern based at Monocacy National Battlefield. She contributed as a part-time Researcher on an Augmented Virtual Reality Interactive History App at Virginia State.
With aspirations to delve into archaeology and anthropology, she eagerly anticipates this opportunity at a historic site, aiming to gain hands-on experience. Additionally, she seeks to learn the intricate operations of national parks and to broaden her understanding of park management.”
Michayla Cherichel
“Introducing, Michayla Cherichel, an Atlanta, Georgia native currently attending Florida A&M University and an Interpretive Writer intern based at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. On her campus she has served as President of the English Literary Guild and Volunteer Chair of #FreethePeriod.
Michayla believes community, literacy, and human connection with nature are essential components of a healthy and fulfilled life. Which is why she is so excited to learn more about the history of Roanoke Island in the beautiful landscapes of the park. This summer she will be tasked with reviewing current research, finding additional resources, and working with partners and members of the community to condense and focus current knowledge of the Freedmen’s Colony.”
Jaden Franklin
“Introducing, Jaden Franklin, a senior Psychology student currently attending North Carolina A&T and an Education and Interpretation Intern based at Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. His professional journey reflects his values, from counseling youth to participating in entrepreneurship fellowships, from guiding peers as a resident advisor to now contributing as an HBCUI intern.
In the upcoming future, his plans are to develop innovative technologies and approaches to heal, uplift, and inspire humanity. This summer Jaden will be tasked with working closely with the interpretation team to develop programs, learn about thematic interpretation, conduct research related to Medgar and Myrlie Evers, assist with researching new information and create new ways to get the information out.”
Brooklyn Pitre
“Introducing, Brooklyn Pitre, a Memphis, Tennesse native currently attending Bethune Cookman University and a Visitor Services Assistant intern based at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. This is not her first internship with HBCUI previously working with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the St. Jude ALSAC.
Holding multiple royal court positions on her campus including being the 71st Miss Bethune Cookman Elect, Brooklyn is no stranger to leadership positions. She has this to say about her role this summer “I’m excited to share my skills and passion for digital marketing, communication, and community engagement.”
Armani Moore
“Introducing Armani Moore, a Washington, DC native currently attending Morgan State University and an Architecture Intern based at the Historic American Buildings Survey. She is an advocate for affordable living and ensuring that access to basic needs is attainable for all individuals. With previous work experience in customer service, she has honed her problem-solving skills allowing her to effectively assist in finding solutions.
Armani expresses her intentions and what she hopes to achieve during the duration of this summer. “My goal for this internship is to absorb as much information as possible, learning about strategies and initiatives that can help make affordable living a reality for more people. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that aligns with my values and goals.”
Joel Murchison
“Introducing Joel Murchison, an Atlanta, Georgia native currently attending Jackson State University and an Assistant Interpretative Curator intern based at the Mammoth Cave National Park. His focus is on nurturing creatives, expanding their brand, and fostering personal growth. This new opportunity provides him with the chance to pursue this goal in a way that he has never done before.
This summer Joel will be tasked with creating a poster exhibit about early visitors/tourism to the cave for the Environmental Education Division and Interpretive Division for programming, writing a presentation to be used with the poster and aiding in the expansion of the public’s knowledge of the park’s history. He named this as his goals for the summer “I aim to gain success by actively engaging with the people in the company, making connections, and networking through this internship.””
Jasmyne Kinslow
“Introducing Jasmyne Kinslow, a Magnolia, Delaware native currently attending Florida A&M University and an Expanding Stories Intern based at the First State National Historical Park. Her on campus activities reflect her passion for community and environmental conservation efforts. She is a participant of the FAMU Environmental Conservation Organization, FAMU Thrift Club, FAMU Art Club, SBI Orators, FAMU Men’s Basketball Managerial Staff, FAMU’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).
Her past experience with Killens Pond State Park in Felton, Delaware has prepared her for this role. This summer Jasmyne will be tasked with working with park partners to review previously completed research, and then complete new research to help fill in some gaps with new information, to help us understand who lived on or adjacent to The Green in downtown Dover.”
Kole Fortson
“Introducing Kole Fortson, an Albany, Georgia native, class of 2024 graduate of Florida A&M University and a Resource Monitoring intern based at the Assateague Island National Seashore. His leadership roles on campus include a Senator in the 52nd Student Government Association, an officer for the FAMU SOE Sustainability Club, a member of the FAMU NAACP, and as a Tidal Wave Scholar with Blacks in Marine Science (BIMS).
Kole is not new to this line of work as he previously was a Youth Advocate Partner with Empower Southwest Georgia and an intern with the US Department of Energy at the Savannah River Environmental Science Field Station. His past experience drives his passion and he is excited about the opportunity ahead at Assateague Island National Seashore.”
Ashley Toney
“Introducing Ashley Toney, a junior Biology student currently attending Alabama A&M University and a Natural Resource Management intern based at the Valley Forge National Historical Park. On her campus she has held leadership roles in multiple organizations like D.I.V.A.S. Mentoring Program, The marching band, and Biology Club.
This summer she will be tasked with taking the lead on the Eastern Box Turtle population monitoring project and assist with other ongoing natural resource management programs, projects, and tasks. Ashley says she is excited to gain exposure to the National Park Service through this internship, and learning about different ways to apply biology in the field.”
Hayden Sawh
“Introducing Hayden Sawh, a New York City, New York native currently attending Spelman University and an Environmental Protection intern based at the Washington Support Office. Her major of international studies and concentration of international development has enabled her to study environmental policy, urban agriculture, environmental science, sustainable business strategies, and waste colonialism. Gaining this knowledge has made her environmentally conscious and has embolden her to advocate for a more sustainable lifestyle for all.
Hayden states “Through this internship I aim to gain experience in sustainable development, management, environmental response & recovery, and policy!” This summer she will be tasked with researching PFAS treatment technology, aiding in the development of an electronic NEPA database and developing of reports and case studies of Departmental emergency management deployments.”
Alexis Essiaw
“Introducing Alexis Essiaw, a Leesburg, Virginia native currently attending Tuskegee University and an Architecture intern based at the Historic American Buildings Survey. With her skills in in editing, social media, and teamwork she will a valuable addition to the cohort.
This summer she will be tasked with reviewing historic and archeological records, analyzing artifacts in the museum collection, identifying areas of potential archeological sites, developing educational materials based on this largely untold park history and assisting with the completion of state site forms which includes the synthesis of information from previous field investigation records, GIS and environmental data, and existing archeological site databases.”
Zion Claude
“Introducing Zion Claude, a senior Political Science major currently attending Virginia State University and a Partnerships & Intern Engagement Assistant intern based at the Rocky Mountain National Park. Her past experiences as a Grassroots Organizing Fellow and a legislative intern has deepened her commitment to environmental advocacy and lobbying for sustainable practices.
This passion led her to apply for the internship and in her own words “I’m enthusiastic about the Rocky Mountain HBCU internship, eager to apply my passion for environmental justice within the National Park Service, and contribute to preserving our natural heritage.”
Khalil Baker
“Introducing Khalil Baker, a Norfolk City County, Virginia native, class of 2022 graduate of Hampton University and a Natural Resource Monitoring intern based at the Rocky Mountain National Park. This upcoming internship marks the fourth chapter in Khalil’s professional journey, following internships at Jamestown National Historical Park, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, and Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site.
This summer he will be tasked with monitoring and sampling at our air quality monitoring stations, maintaining the park’s interpretive ozone garden while providing pop-up programs to visitors to talk about air quality issues in the park and developing messaging materials on natural resource management based on fieldwork.”
Cierra Slater
“Introducing Cierra Slater, a class of 2024 graduate of Tennessee State University and a Park Planning intern based at the National Capital Region. While on her campus she participated in a multitude of organizations like the National Society of Leadership and Success, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
Cierra states “My goal for this internship is to gain industry experience as this is my first internship and obtain skills needed in the future for the workforce.” This summer she will be tasked with supporting national planning policy initiatives, learning together with the cohort of other park planning fellows, supporting community outreach and engagement and planning projects in the District of Columbia with National Capital Regional and Park staff.”
Morgan Walton
“Introducing Morgan Walton, a Miami, Florida native, class of 2023 graduate of Florida A&M University and a Communications intern. She previously was a Digital Strategist for a private communications company who specializes in communications for local Floridian politicians. This summer she will be tasked with running the social media and online pages for the HBCUI program while assisting the interns at their sites. Morgan states “I can’t wait to start creating innovative media for the organization’s platforms. I am most excited to work with all the interns at their locations and learn about all the history of the cultures they are studying.”
To find out more about these interns and what HBCUI NPS has to offer for their next intern cohort, visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/hbcui.htm
