Georgia Power HBCU Program: Unique Expansion Enters Year 4

For the fourth consecutive year, a collaborative partnership between Georgia Power and the Atlanta Hawks is set to open new career avenues for students at Georgia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This renewal of the HBCU Pathways Program continues to build a direct pipeline for emerging talent into the corporate and sports entertainment industries, reflecting a sustained commitment to workforce development and community engagement.

Forging Career Paths: Details and Impact of the Georgia Power HBCU Program: Unique Expansion Enters Year 4

The upcoming 2025 cohort will feature eight paid, 10-week internships with the Atlanta Hawks, offering immersive experience across a wide range of business functions. Students will have the opportunity to work in departments such as Brand Communications, Digital Marketing, Event Operations, Retail, and Hawks IQ (Analytics), among others. This forward-looking talent initiative aligns with the utility’s broader focus on long-term growth, complementing strategic frameworks like Georgia Power’s multi-year energy plan. Interested students must submit their applications by January 16, 2026, through the official portal at www.nba.com/hawks/hbcu-pathways.

Since its inception, the HBCU Pathways Program has already supported 21 students, with several alumni successfully securing full-time roles. Jonathan King, Georgia Power’s director of workforce development, highlighted the program’s role in investing in the community and building sustainable careers. This mission is backed by a significant financial history: the Georgia Power foundation has contributed over $5.5 million to HBCU initiatives since 1986, part of a larger $50 million pledge from its parent company, Southern Company. Such corporate investments are foundational to building robust communities, much like the development of local renewable energy infrastructure.

Building a Diverse Workforce for the Future

While these internships are based in the corporate and sports sectors, they represent a critical piece of a larger talent development strategy for Georgia Power. Cultivating a diverse, skilled workforce is paramount for the future of the energy sector. The business acumen, analytics, and marketing skills gained through this program are transferable and essential for navigating the complexities of any major industry, including renewables.

Tomorrow’s energy leaders will require a comprehensive understanding of the entire value chain, from go-to-market strategies to the technical details of the solar panel manufacturing process. A solid grasp of the basics of solar panel manufacturing—including knowledge of essential raw materials and the advanced machinery involved in production—provides invaluable context. This holistic view extends to finance, where understanding a solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown informs strategic decisions that yield massive returns—a principle demonstrated when municipal buildings achieve major savings with solar. By investing in these students, Georgia Power is cultivating the versatile talent needed for a sustainable future. To explore the technical side of the industry further, consider this complimentary e-course.

Sources

1. Atlanta Hawks partner with Georgia Power for HBCU internships
2. Southern Company Subsidiary Expands HBCU Pathways: Fourth …
3. 2025 Annual Plan to Increase Support and Opportunities for HBCUs
4. News Release Archive
5. Georgia Power and Atlanta Hawks expand HBCU Pathways …
6. Media Resources – Georgia Power
7. Georgia Power and Atlanta Hawks expand HBCU Pathways …
8. Georgia Power and Atlanta Hawks expand HBCU Pathways …
9. Georgia Power (SO) expands HBCU Pathways paid internship
10. Georgia Power and Atlanta Hawks expand HBCU Pathways …