The Atlanta Hawks partner with Georgia Power for HBCU internships

Georgia Power is once again partnering with Atlanta Hawks to invest in the next generation of talent by hosting HBCU Pathways programs for the fourth year in a row. The annual initiative is designed to support students attending HBCUs in Georgia by providing them with career exposure, professional development resources and access to industry leaders, reinforcing both organizations’ ongoing commitment to education, workforce development and economic opportunity across the state.

Since its inception in 2023, the program has helped 21 students secure full-time positions in a range of industries after completing their internships, including sports, entertainment and the corporate sector. Jonathan King, director of workforce development at Georgia Power, said the partnership with the Atlanta Hawks reflects a shared commitment to investing in future talent. He emphasized that the program not only creates meaningful career paths for HBCU students, but also aligns with Georgia Power’s broader mission to care for and uplift the communities it serves.

“At Georgia Power, caring for our communities is at the heart of everything we do. The collaboration between Georgia Power, the Atlanta Hawks and our HBCU partners allows us to extend that commitment by creating opportunities for HBCU students to gain real-world experience and build lasting careers,” he said. “Together, we’re giving young leaders the tools, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive, while strengthening the communities we all call home.”

The HBCU Pathways program is a 10-week paid internship experience with the Atlanta Hawks designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in sports, entertainment and business. For the 2025 cohortprogram will offer eight internships in various departments, including Brand Communications, Global Partnerships-Activations, Retail, Digital Marketing, Global Partnerships-Sales, CPS Ticketing, Event Operations and Hawks IQ (Analytics). Participants gain hands-on, real-world experience while also benefiting from structured professional development opportunities aimed at preparing them for long-term career success.

“At the Atlanta Hawkswe believe our greatest impact comes from investing in people,” said Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena Executive Vice President and Chief People, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Cammy Mackey. “As a proud HBCU graduate, I am honored that our organization has partnered with Georgia Power to provide HBCU students with real-world experience, mentorship and long-term experience. Together, we are cultivating the next generation of leaders who will continue to strengthen our industries and transform our communities.”

Georgia Power has a long history of supporting HBCUs. Since the Georgia Power Foundation was founded in 1986, the company has donated more than $5.5 million to HBCUs across Georgia. As a subsidiary of Southern Company, this commitment is part of Southern Company’s broader multi-year investment of $50 million in HBCUs across the country, reinforcing an ongoing commitment to educational access, workforce development and community empowerment.

The application window closes on January 16, 2026. Students can apply here: www.nba.com/hawks/hbcu-pathways.