2026 HBCUI Intern
BIOGRAPHY
Jalyn Holden, a graduating senior at Dillard University pursuing a degree in Psychology, serves as an Interpretation and Education Intern at Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument through the HBCUI Internship Program. A Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program Scholar, Jalyn brings a strong background in student research, curriculum development, youth engagement, and the creation of educational experiences designed to support learning and personal growth.
Prior to her internship, Jalyn focused her research on culturally responsive mental health curricula and gender-based violence prevention. She is the second co-author of Cultivating Care: A Culturally Specific Domestic Violence Prevention Program for HBCU Campuses, published in the American Journal of Applied Psychology in 2025. She has also worked as a Behavior Technician serving children on the autism spectrum, gaining valuable experience in communication, individualized support, and adapting learning approaches to meet different needs.
During her internship at Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, Jalyn works alongside National Park Service staff to support educational programming and develop engaging learning materials for students and younger audiences. Her work includes researching civil rights cases connected to Medgar Evers, working with primary and archival sources, developing educational activities and interpretive materials, and helping transform complex historical information into accessible learning experiences. She also has opportunities to support school outreach, educational events, public programs, and interpretation of the lives and legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers.
Through her HBCUI experience, Jalyn is expanding her skills in curriculum development, historical research, educational interpretation, youth engagement, public speaking, and audience-centered communication. By combining her background in psychology and student research with hands-on experience in public history and education, she is developing innovative approaches to creating meaningful learning experiences that help young people explore history, strengthen understanding, and connect with the stories of those who helped shape American history.
Education & Experience
Education
Dillard University
POSITION
Interpretation and Education Intern
Internship Overview
As an Interpretation and Education Intern, Jalyn supports educational programming, historical research, and youth engagement at Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, helping connect students and visitors with the lives, leadership, and lasting legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers. Her work includes researching civil rights cases connected to Medgar Evers, working with primary and archival sources, developing educational activities and interpretive materials, and helping transform complex historical information into accessible and engaging learning experiences for younger audiences.
Working alongside National Park Service staff and park rangers, Jalyn is gaining hands-on experience in curriculum development, historical research, educational interpretation, youth engagement, public speaking, and audience-centered communication. Through her work, she is applying her background in psychology, student research, and individualized learning support to the development of meaningful educational experiences while strengthening the curriculum design, communication, and public engagement skills that will support her future academic and professional goals.
Skills Developed & Accomplishments
Skills Developed
- Curriculum Development
- Educational Content Creation
- Historical Research
- Primary Source Research
- Youth Engagement
- Educational Interpretation
- Audience-Centered
- Communication
Public Speaking
Accomplishments
- Researched civil rights cases connected to Medgar Evers using archival materials, primary sources, and other historical resources to support educational and interpretive programming.
- Developed educational activities and learning materials designed to make complex historical subjects accessible and engaging for students and younger audiences.
- Helped transform historical research into age-appropriate educational experiences that connect students with the lives, leadership, and lasting legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers.
- Supported school outreach, educational events, public programs, and visitor engagement activities at Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument.
- Applied her background in psychology, student research, and individualized learning support to help create thoughtful educational experiences for young learners with different needs and learning styles.
Testimonial
Coming soon.
