35 Graduate-Level Interns Join CUSD to Support Scholars
Media Release
Compton Unified School District welcomed 35 graduate-level interns who will provide additional social-emotional and wellness support for scholars across the District as part of the Compton Social Emotional Intern Institute (CSEII) Class of 2026.
The new cohort was introduced at the CUSD Board of Trustees meeting by JaMaiia M. Bond, Senior Director of the Division of Child Welfare Attendance, Athletics and Special Programs. Each of the Interns also introduced themselves at the meeting.
This year’s CSEII class includes 30 Master of Social Work interns and five Master’s-level Marriage and Family Therapy interns. The interns will support schools throughout Compton Unified, with an intentional focus on the District’s traditional middle schools and K–8 campuses.
CSEII was established through collaborative partnerships with local universities to make Compton Unified a field education and professional learning site for future mental health professionals. The program provides graduate students with meaningful, hands-on experience while expanding the social-emotional resources available to CUSD scholars.
“This partnership is truly a win for everyone,” Bond said during the presentation. “Our interns receive high-quality field experience and professional supervision, our schools gain additional support, and most importantly, our students have greater access to caring adults and social-emotional resources right on their campuses.”
CUSD also recognized clinical supervision providers Courtney Banks and Dr. Kelley McCullough for their important roles in the program. Their leadership, professional expertise, mentorship and supervision help guide the interns and ensure scholars receive high-quality support.
During the Board presentation, members of the CSEII Class of 2026 introduced themselves and shared the universities they attend and the CUSD schools they will support this year.
Through CSEII, Compton Unified is strengthening support for scholars while also helping prepare the next generation of mental health professionals through real-world experience in CUSD schools.