Jean O’Connor-Snyder Intern Rylen Dempsey spent the summer in Walker County, Alabama, learning about the community and its leaders. At Jasper Lumber Company, Rylen met Plant Manager Cliff Beall, whose dedication to his faith, family, and community exemplifies servant leadership. Beall’s commitment to professional excellence and uplifting others highlights the positive impact of community-focused leadership.

Jean O’Connor-Snyder Intern Naomi Taylor spent the summer in Camden, Alabama, learning about the impactful work of Alfreda G. Williams. At nearly 80 years old, Williams continues to serve the children of Wilcox County through the Camden Community Youth Development Center, which she helped establish in 1993. Her dedication to education and community service has made a lasting positive difference in countless children's lives.

Jean O’Connor-Snyder Intern Raegan Harris explores Jasper, Alabama’s community revitalization through the story of Drew Gilbert, owner of Tallulah Brewing Company. Gilbert’s brewery has become a vital gathering place, fostering connections and strengthening the town’s social fabric.

Jean O’Connor-Snyder Intern Elisha Oyola explores the rich history of Elba, Alabama, through the efforts of the Elba History Committee. This dedicated group has not only published the book “Elba: Then and Now, 1853-2013,” but is also striving to establish a museum to preserve and share local artifacts and stories for future generations.

Jean O’Connor-Snyder Intern Chloe Kaplan spent the summer in Walker County, Alabama, conducting a needs assessment for Fellowship House. Through her work, Chloe discovered the unwavering dedication of the staff, especially peer support specialist Larry Leeth, who inspires clients on their recovery journeys with his own story of transformation and hope.

This summer, Jean O’Connor-Snyder Intern Hayley Platt returns to her hometown of Chatom, Alabama, excited to give back and deepen her connection with the community that helped shape her character.

Jean O’Connor-Snyder Intern Cassie Childress explores the impact of the 'brain drain' in rural Alabama through the story of Morgan Curry, Grants Manager for the Walker Area Community Foundation. Curry's journey sheds light on the efforts to attract and retain young professionals in his hometown of Jasper, Alabama.

The David Mathews Center for Civic Life is pleased to announce our Jean O’Connor-Snyder Internship Call for Proposals for the 2024-2025 academic year!

Through this program, we work with faculty and students from colleges and universities across the state. These individuals dedicate time to working alongside Alabamians who are striving to improve their communities. We are equally indebted to these community partners who welcome students and faculty into their hometowns to practice immersive civic learning together. Immersive civic learning is characterized by active, continuous participation in both formal and informal civic spaces, and through personal experiences with a community and its individuals.

To end the month of January, the David Mathews Center headed south to host the 2024 Jean O’Connor Snyder Internship Program Retreat! Joined by over 30 students and faculty mentors from six colleges and universities across the state, interns spent the weekend exploring their projects, discovering more about civil rights and small towns in Alabama, and forming connections with one another.

During the month of July, the Mathews Center had the amazing opportunity to visit some of our Jean O’Connor-Snyder Interns from the University of Alabama, Troy University, and Auburn University. While visiting, our team got to have one-on-one time with the interns to discuss their experiences working with communities over the summer.

The David Mathews Center for Civic Life is pleased to announce our Jean O’Connor-Snyder Internship Call for Proposals for the 2023-2024 academic year!