What's Happening?
Georgia Power and the Atlanta Hawks have announced the continuation of their HBCU Pathways program for the fourth consecutive year. This initiative is designed to support students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Georgia by
providing them with a 10-week paid internship. The program aims to prepare the next generation of leaders in sports, entertainment, and business by offering hands-on experience and professional development opportunities. For the 2025 cohort, eight internship positions are available in various departments such as Brand Communications, Global Partnership – Activations, Retail, Digital Marketing, and more. The application deadline is January 16, 2026. Since its inception in 2023, the program has supported 21 students, with many alumni securing full-time roles in their respective fields.
Why It's Important?
The HBCU Pathways program is significant as it addresses the need for diversity and inclusion within the sports, entertainment, and business sectors. By providing real-world experience and mentorship, the program helps bridge the gap between education and employment for HBCU students, who often face systemic barriers in the job market. This initiative not only empowers individual students but also strengthens the communities they represent. Georgia Power's commitment, alongside the Atlanta Hawks, highlights the importance of corporate responsibility in fostering equitable opportunities. The program's success could inspire other organizations to implement similar initiatives, thereby broadening the impact on a national scale.
What's Next?
As the application window for the 2025 cohort closes on January 16, 2026, the focus will shift to selecting candidates who will benefit most from the program. The ongoing partnership between Georgia Power and the Atlanta Hawks is expected to continue evolving, potentially expanding to include more HBCUs and offering additional internship opportunities. Stakeholders will likely monitor the program's outcomes to assess its impact on participants' career trajectories. The success of this initiative could lead to increased investment in similar programs, further promoting diversity and inclusion across various industries.
