Master of Social Work Candidate to Serve Students in Connecticut This Summer

Alabama A&M University graduate student Jacob Pearson has been selected for the 2026 Summer at Franklin Internship Cohort through Franklin Academy in East Haddam, Connecticut, earning an all-expenses-paid internship focused on supporting neurodivergent students.

Pearson will serve as a social work intern from June 23 to July 27. He will work with students in grades seven through 12, helping foster social development, emotional regulation, independence and life skills. Pearson learned about the program after being named a My HBCU Matters scholar last year.

“My HBCU Matters CEO Brandon Graham referred me, which led to a meet-and-greet with the organization,” said Pearson. “I was attending a conference when I received the news that I had been selected.”

Pearson is one of only four students selected nationwide for this summer’s cohort. Paid internships are uncommon in the social work profession, making the opportunity especially significant as he gains hands-on experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.

“I was honored and grateful to be selected,” he said. “As someone whose passion is helping students discover their potential, this opportunity affirmed that the work I have been doing through social work, coaching and mentorship is making a meaningful impact. I am excited to represent Alabama A&M University while gaining valuable experience serving students with diverse needs.”

Neurodivergent individuals include those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences whose brains process information and interact with the world differently.

A native of Lithia Springs, Georgia, Pearson is a Master of Social Work candidate specializing in sports social work. He serves Alabama A&M in several leadership roles, including graduate adviser in Housing and Residence Life, graduate assistant throws coach with the University’s track and field program, and sports mental health mentor for student-athletes.

Pearson said Alabama A&M’s emphasis on service and leadership helped prepare him for the opportunity.

“Alabama A&M taught me the importance of servant leadership, advocacy and meeting people where they are,” he said. “Through my coursework, graduate assistantships and campus leadership opportunities, I learned that meaningful change happens through relationships, consistency and accountability. Those lessons guide my work every day as a social worker, mentor and coach.”

Before enrolling at Alabama A&M, Pearson earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Fort Valley State University.

His accomplishments include being named a 2024 White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities Scholar and the 2018-19 National Mentee of the Year by 100 Black Men of America. He is also the founder of Bridging the Gap Coaching Inc.

Expected to graduate in May 2027, Pearson said the internship aligns closely with his long-term career goals.

“My goal is to continue bridging the gap between mental health, education and athletics while creating opportunities for young people to succeed,” he said. “I am proud to represent Alabama A&M University in spaces that promote leadership, service and student development.”