Ten WSSU computer science students secure competitive Nationwide Insurance internships
Ten students from the Winston-Salem State University Department of Computer Science have been selected for highly competitive summer internships at Nationwide Insurance Company. This marks a significant milestone for the department and underscores its growing reputation for academic quality and industry relevance.
The internships, scheduled for summer 2026, reflect the department’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for real-world careers through rigorous coursework, experiential learning, and strong industry partnerships.
The students selected are as follows:
- Aliyah Tomlinson, senior, information technology
- Dionne Tucker, junior, computer science
- Elicia Bryant, junior, computer science
- KaynoSpeights, senior, computer science
- Makeda Roberts, senior, computer science
- Manuel Corday, junior, information technology
- Ollson Afari, senior, computer science
- RainnSheppard, junior, computer science
- Ridouane Soumana, junior, computer science
- Taylor Williams, junior, information technology
As part of Nationwide’s 2026 summer internship program, the students will work alongside full-time associates and collaborate on team-based projects that mirror professional software development and technology roles. The experience will provide hands-on exposure to the industry while offering opportunities to engage with Nationwide leaders.
A key component of the program will be participation in the Nationwide 2026 Hackathon, which is scheduled for March 16-18, 2026, at WSSU. During the hackathon, interns will contribute to projects focused on workplace innovation.
The internship program also includes professional development opportunities designed to strengthen technical skills and essential competencies such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
“This accomplishment reflects both the talent of our students and the strength of our collaboration with Nationwide,” said Dr. Muztaba Fuad, chair of the Department of Computer Science. “We are grateful to Nationwide for providing our students with transformative learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world applications and prepare them for successful careers in technology.”
This milestone benefits not only the participating students but also future computer science students at WSSU. It highlights the department’s commitment to continuous improvement, industry-aligned curriculum development and experiential learning opportunities that create clear pathways to leading employers. The partnership with Nationwide sets a strong foundation for future collaborations that will continue to enhance student outcomes.
