Renewed Central State University corporate partnership leads to invaluable internships

For over two years, Central State University has been partnering with Nationwide to train students in data analytics and computer science. With Tiffiney Gray joining the project in January as the vice president for Institutional Advancement at Central State, the team has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the mutually beneficial partnership.

“We are proud of all that we have accomplished with Nationwide thus far, and we look forward to expanding our efforts to create an even deeper impact on our student body,” said Gray. 

Project leaders from both institutions meet regularly to assess the partnership and determine the next steps. Nationwide sponsors a computer lab in the Hallie Q. Brown Memorial Library to provide Central State students with access to computers. As classwork and other aspects of students’ lives move online, many of those from low socioeconomic backgrounds now have invaluable access to technology. Nationwide also plans to utilize the lab to teach specific data skills and grow its presence on campus as it strives to show Central State students that there is more to Nationwide than insurance. 

Nationwide works directly with faculty in the College of Business and the Mathematics Department to create industry-relevant coursework, preparing students for future internships and careers. From these discussions, the College of Business has developed new management information systems classes on mobile app development, business intelligence and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity management, data analysis and modeling, and project management.  

This summer, Nationwide is employing four Central State computer science students as interns. The Marauders expressed their excitement about the opportunity to grow their skills. Chi’Kae Hall, a junior from Columbus, Ohio, majoring in computer science with a minor in business administration, said, “I'm most looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience with coding and programming.” 

“The student’s experience and the diverse nature of student communities are valuable attributes and add to a student’s work skills. This and the rich environment provided by an HBCU makes for a positive addition to the diverse inclusiveness of respective work areas and adds to a student’s overall toolset,” said Steve Thomas, consultant and risk management compliance professional, Nationwide, and Central State University alum, class of 1990. 

Discussions have already begun regarding integrating Nationwide into Central State’s Career Services 2023-24 academic year programming, such as Career Readiness Week and the University’s two career expos.  

“We are so proud of the relationship that we are building with Central State University. We will continue to build on our successes of our first few years and expand the number of participants year over year to increase our pipeline of Central State educated interns and associates. Our goal is to help create a highly prepared diverse technology workforce whether or not they eventually become Nationwide associates,” Dr. Tonjia Coverdale, associate vice president, Technology Data Management, Nationwide, said. 

Student stories

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Denzel McCoy 

Year: Sophomore  

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio 

Major: Computer science 

“I am looking forward to gaining more experience in the technology field and picking up on some coding skills.” 

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Chi'Kae Hall 

Year: Junior  

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio 

Major: Computer science with a minor in business administration 

“I'm most looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience with coding and programming.” 

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Phi Nguyen 

Year: Senior  

Home country: Vietnam 

Major: Computer science 

“During the time being there, I would love to develop the skill and knowledge that I have gained during school time in a professional capacity.”