Empowering Future Leaders: Georgia Power and Atlanta Hawks' HBCU Pathways Program 2025 Cohort
Georgia Power and the Atlanta Hawks are teaming up once again to host the HBCU Pathways Program, now in its fourth year. The initiative aims to support students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Georgia. Launched in 2023, the program has already helped 21 students gain valuable experience in sports, entertainment, and corporate settings, with some securing full-time roles post-internship. The 10-week paid internship offers participants real-world experience and networking opportunities beyond the program's duration.
The 2025 cohort of the HBCU Pathways Program will offer eight internship positions across various departments, including sports, entertainment, and business. The application deadline for interested students is January 16, 2026. Jonathan King, Georgia Power's director of workforce development, highlighted the company's commitment to community investment and student development. The collaboration between Georgia Power, the Atlanta Hawks, and HBCU partners aims to provide students with practical tools, confidence, and career-building opportunities.
Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has a long-standing commitment to supporting HBCUs. Since the establishment of the Georgia Power Foundation in 1986, the company has donated over $5.5 million to HBCU initiatives in Georgia. This support is part of Southern Company's broader $50 million multi-year investment in HBCUs nationwide. Camye Mackey, Executive Vice President & Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, emphasized the importance of investing in talent development. As an HBCU graduate, Mackey expressed pride in partnering with Georgia Power to provide students with mentorship, real-world experience, and a foundation for long-term success. Together, they aim to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will drive industry growth and community transformation.
In conclusion, the HBCU Pathways Program, a collaboration between Georgia Power and the Atlanta Hawks, continues to offer valuable opportunities for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Georgia. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking, the program aims to develop the next generation of leaders in sports, entertainment, and business, contributing to the growth and transformation of communities.