The Atlanta Hawks, in partnership with Georgia Power, are offering a unique and impactful professional development opportunity through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Pathways Program. This initiative is designed to create meaningful career access for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities by providing hands-on experience within one of the most recognized professional basketball organizations in the United States.
The program reflects a strong commitment to workforce empowerment, inclusion, and long-term career development. By combining mentorship, real-world projects, and professional exposure, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Pathways Program serves as a gateway for students who aspire to build careers in sports, entertainment, business operations, and related industries.
Program Overview
The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Pathways Program is a paid ten-week summer internship that takes place annually, typically between June and August. Selected participants work directly with professionals across various departments within the Atlanta Hawks organization. Interns are not observers; they are actively involved in day-to-day operations, contributing to projects that support the organization’s business and community objectives.
This program is structured to help students bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Interns gain practical skills, workplace confidence, and a deeper understanding of how a major sports franchise operates behind the scenes.
Areas of Internship Placement
Participants in the program may be placed in a variety of departments based on organizational needs and individual interests. These areas often include, but are not limited to:
- Brand communications and storytelling
- Digital marketing and social media strategy
- Event operations and game-day management
- Global partnerships, including activation and sales support
- Business intelligence and data analytics
- Retail operations and fan engagement
- Ticket sales and customer experience
Through these placements, interns are exposed to multiple career paths within the sports and entertainment ecosystem, helping them make informed decisions about their future professional goals.
Professional Development and Mentorship
One of the defining features of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Pathways Program is its emphasis on mentorship and career growth. Interns receive guidance from experienced professionals who provide insights into industry expectations, career navigation, and skill development. This mentorship helps students understand not only how to perform their assigned roles, but also how to grow within a professional environment.
In addition to departmental work, interns often participate in professional development sessions focused on resume building, interview preparation, workplace communication, and leadership development. These sessions are designed to equip participants with transferable skills that remain valuable long after the internship ends.
Eligibility and Target Audience
The program is specifically designed for undergraduate students currently enrolled in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Applicants are typically expected to demonstrate academic commitment, leadership potential, and a strong interest in pursuing a career related to sports, entertainment, business, or community engagement.
While prior experience in sports is not required, successful candidates often show enthusiasm, adaptability, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced professional setting.
Impact and Career Pathways
Since its launch, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Pathways Program has supported multiple cohorts of students, many of whom have gone on to secure full-time employment or continued professional opportunities within the sports and entertainment industry. The program is intentionally designed not just as a short-term internship, but as a long-term career pipeline.
By providing paid opportunities, the Atlanta Hawks and Georgia Power reduce financial barriers that often prevent students from participating in high-quality internships. This ensures that talent, rather than financial circumstance, determines access to professional growth.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The sports and entertainment industry is highly competitive and often difficult to enter without strong networks or prior exposure. The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Pathways Program directly addresses this challenge by offering structured access, real responsibility, and professional credibility.
For students seeking to gain practical experience, build industry connections, and explore diverse career options within a major sports organization, this program represents a valuable and transformative opportunity.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official Atlanta Hawks opportunities platform. Interested students are encouraged to apply early, as positions are limited and the selection process is competitive. Applicants should prepare a strong resume and be ready to articulate their interest in the program and their long-term career goals.
APPLY HERE for any of the internship programs.
Deadline: 16th January, 2026.
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