The University of Alabama School of Social Work continues to strengthen its commitment to community engagement and service to the state of Alabama with its Black Belt Internship Initiative.
This initiative is part of the greater impact that occurs throughout the state through students’ practicum experiences. In 2024-2025, the school provided over 80,000 hours of skilled service to 17 counties in Alabama. This produced an economic impact of over $2.7 million.
What is the Black Belt Internship Initiative?
Launched in 2023 as a pilot program, the Black Belt Internship Initiative connects social work students with rural communities within the state of Alabama. Additionally, the students gain real-world experience while contributing to local needs. This initiative focuses on addressing systemic issues in under-resourced regions within the Black Belt, known for its historical and economic challenges. In the first two years of the partnership, over seven community agencies have taken part.
Master of Social Work students Swantrese Waver-Johnson and Keely Campbell participated in this internship this past spring. They worked directly with local stakeholders to address systemic issues facing youth in the Selma, Dallas County, region. The Honorable Judge Vernetta Perkins Walker, district judge in Dallas County, led the initiative to develop a community coalition focused on supporting youth, families and local needs.
As part of the experience, Waver-Johnson and Campbell collaborated with Judge Perkins Walker to support coalition-building efforts and the creation and launch of The Selma-Dallas County Children’s Policy Alliance, SDCCPA. As a result, the creation of this new organization brought together over 21 partners in the Selma community. Those include the District Attorney’s Office, the Juvenile Court system, the Department of Human Resources, the local schools, nonprofits, religious organizations and several other partners.
The mission of the SDCCPA is to unite and mobilize stakeholders to enhance the well-being of children and families in Selma and Dallas County. Through data analysis, strategic planning, collaborative action and community advocacy, SDCCPA also seeks to improve outcomes for youth and create sustainable solutions to systemic challenges.
Why the Initiative Matters to the Black Belt
“The Black Belt is a region of deep history and cultural richness. Yet it continues to face some of the greatest challenges in our state. That’s why this partnership is so pivotal,” said Dr. Schnavia Smith Hatcher, dean of the School of Social Work and a native of Selma.
“By anchoring the practicum in one local agency that serves as the hub, students gain a home base while engaging with a wide network of partners working toward a greater cause. This model places students at the epicenter of community development — where they build relationships, foster trust and gain a firsthand understanding of what it takes to drive collaborative, transformational change.
“I think that it’s just a beautiful process to come into a community and walk alongside them to make change, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to do that through this experience.”
Keely Campbell
“This program is helping to build the next generation of social work professionals while simultaneously investing in communities to help create long-term, sustainable change and strengthening local institutions that are critical to the economic and social well-being of the Black Belt and the state of Alabama.”
For students, the initiative provides critical hands-on experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice. It also expands future career opportunities and workforce readiness in social work and community development.
“I chose to do the Black Belt Internship initiative for my placement because I’m really interested in community work and community building,” Campbell said. “I think that it’s just a beautiful process to come into a community and walk alongside them to make change, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to do that through this experience.”
Why the Initiative Matters to Students
Dr. Courtney Chapman Thomas, the School of Social Work’s director of experiential programs and community partnerships, emphasized the program’s unique approach.
“This initiative is where knowledge, skills and values come to life. Students step out of the classroom and into the heart of the Black Belt, guided by experienced professionals and begin to see themselves as social workers making a real and tangible impact,” she said.
“What makes this practicum unique is its community development model. Students aren’t just placed in agencies, they are immersed in the community itself. They learn to leverage local assets, collaborate with residents and actively contribute to solutions that meet real needs. In the process, they walk away having witnessed and participated in what real change looks like.”
Through programs like this, the School of Social Work is fostering economic resilience and empowering communities to address long-standing social and structural challenges. It’s creating a pipeline of professionals equipped to generate lasting, positive changes in rural Alabama.
At the end of the experience upon graduation, Waver-Johnson was hired as a juvenile probation officer at the Dallas County Juvenile Department. She’ll continue some of the great work that began during this partnership.
The School of Social Work plans to keep expanding the Black Belt Initiative with increased student participation, deeper regional partnerships and innovative programming that further integrates social work practice with community and economic development.
Contact
Natalie Underwood, UA School of Social Work, njunderwood1@ua.edu