COMPANIES CAN SPONSOR INTERNS FOR FREE THIS SUMMER
Metro Atlanta Chamber and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin
Are Calling On Metro Atlanta Companies
to Provide Summer Internships

Companies can sponsor interns free of charge this summer through the Mayor’s Youth Program. “This internship program is designed to give students the opportunity to develop business skills and apply their knowledge in a real world environment as they work to achieve their dreams -- and this year the city has a grant to pay their salaries,” said Mayor Franklin. “Through our strong partnership with the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the business community, we have had a great few years, and this year companies can sponsor an intern at no cost to the company.”

The Metro Atlanta Chamber and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin are calling on metro Atlanta companies to provide summer internships for graduating seniors of Atlanta Public Schools. Internships run from June 1 through July 24. Read More

To find out how you can sponsor Mayor's Youth Program interns this summer, contact Na’Imah McMillan, program supervisor for Atlanta Workforce Development, at 404-230-1190 or e-mail nmcmillan@atlantaga.gov or mayorsyouthprogram@gmail.com.

 

 

 

DARA AYANA TEKOLU IS THE FIRST IN HER FAMILY
TO GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE
May 22, 2009

"As a recent graduate of Georgia State University, I realize that dreams aren't as farfetched as they may seem. Thank you once again to the Mayor's Youth Program for helping me to take the next step. I have been a statistic my entire life because I have lived in low income communities. I am now proud to say that I am a statistic of success. I am the first person in my family to graduate from college with a Bachelor's degree. I appreciate, thank, and praise you all for encouraging me to take the next step which has afforded me longevity in success."

Read Dara's Letter

 

 

SATHYA HENDERSON
GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
May 7, 2009

 

Sathya Henderson graduated from the University of Chicago in December of 2008 with a 3.80 GPA. He was originally scheduled to graduate in June of 2009, but due to summer school and extra coursework, he was able to graduate early. At the University of Chicago, he majored in English Literature and Language (3.82 GPA). He also had the opportunity to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

Sathya graduated from North Atlanta High School in May of 2005. Although he was eligible to participate in the Mayor's Youth Program during his senior year, he did not. He enrolled in the University of Georgia where he earned a 3.80 GPA. After his first year, Sathya decided to transfer to the University of Chicago. He did not have enough money to afford the tuition, so his friends suggested he look into the Mayor’s Youth Program and ask Mayor Franklin for help.

Read Sathya's Story

 

 

JOSH SMITH OF THE ATLANTA HAWKS SPEAKS TO MAYOR'S YOUTH PROGRAM STUDENTS ABOUT LIFE IN THE REAL WORLD

Josh Smith is a professional basketball player with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. He stopped by the Mayor’s Youth Program to visit with students who were participating in workshops that prepare them for summer internships around Atlanta. Josh told students to “dress appropriately” and to “get there on time, if not early”. Students were able ask questions of Josh as to how hard he had to work to get to where he is now. Josh’s father, Pete Smith, was also there to encourage students to take pride in their image and to do what they can so that the next generation can succeed.
The Mayor’s Youth Program would like to thank Josh and his father for sharing their time to benefit the youth of Atlanta.

 

 

DESMOND DELK IS NOW PURSUING HIS MASTERS DEGREE
IN EDUCATION AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY
April 6, 2009

 

As a senior at Benjamin E. Mays High School in 2005, Desmond Woodruff Delk was involved in a number of school activities. He was as a member of the band, a member of the Student Government Association, an outfielder on the baseball team, and a member of many other clubs and organizations. He was in the top ten percent of his class and his G.P.A. and SAT scores were very competitive. Desmond’s future seemed uncomplicatedly bright, but as he began receiving his college acceptance letters, he realized that many of the offers came without financial assistance. One of these schools was Morehouse College, his top choice. Desmond began to look at his second and third choice colleges, schools that were offering him money and state schools where he could use the HOPE scholarship.

Read Desmond's Story