News

Buckhead Coalition & North Atlanta High School Partner to Offer Professional Summer Internships to Atlanta Students

ATLANTA, GA – June 10, 2025 – The Buckhead Coalition, an active, member-driven organization of business and civic leaders committed to improving the quality of life in the Buckhead community within the City of Atlanta, is pleased to announce the continuation of its summer internship program with North Atlanta High School (NAHS). This community-rooted initiative opens doors for high school students by connecting NAHS sophomores and juniors with professional internships at Coalition members’ companies across metro Atlanta.

Now in its third year, the program reflects the Coalition’s commitment to fostering early career exploration and professional development among local youth. Originally launched in support of Mayor Andre Dickens’ “Year of the Youth” initiative in 2022, the program has become a cornerstone of the Coalition’s workforce development efforts.

“We are grateful to once again partner with the Buckhead Coalition to offer our students valuable professional and networking opportunities this summer,” said Lorraine Bowen, Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Coordinator of NAHS. “Their dedication to providing mentorship and career development is invaluable, and we are excited to see the impact this year’s program will have on our students.”

This summer, 14 students from NAHS’s CTAE program will participate in internships hosted by a range of prestigious metro Atlanta-based companies and organizations. These two-week placements span industries from real estate and banking to healthcare and education.

Students will gain hands-on experience, build essential soft skills, and forge valuable professional connections—all while receiving a stipend and transportation support via MARTA. The selection process emphasized academic achievement and a focused career pathway, ensuring that students are matched with opportunities aligned with their interests and aspirations.

Participating companies and organizations include:

  • Aon Risk Services South, Inc.
  • ASH Investment Partners
  • Atlanta International School
  • BlueLinx Corporation
  • Coro Realty
  • Greenlight
  • Shepherd Center
  • SouthState Bank
  • Transwestern

“From the very beginning, our summer internship program has been about more than just gaining experience—it’s about opening doors for local students and helping them see what’s possible with mentorship, education, and hard work,” said Kristine Maggio, Regional Operating Officer, Eastern US of Transwestern. “Watching these young people grow through hands-on learning has been incredibly rewarding. Each year we see them leave the program not only with valuable skills, but with greater confidence and an eye for what’s next.”

“Collaboration between our schools and local businesses reinforces our shared commitment to investing in the next generation of professionals and in the Buckhead community,” said Jim Durrett, President & CEO of the Buckhead Coalition. “We echo the Mayor’s dedication to youth employment in Atlanta, recognizing that workforce development is a powerful driver of both individual success and economic vitality.”

Georgia’s Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program prepares students for college and careers by aligning with the state’s industries workforce needs. In Atlanta Public Schools, students must meet specific requirements and complete a three-year course sequence in their chosen pathway. At NAHS, most internship participants are enrolled in the Business and Technology pathway, which combines business principles with technology skills that students build on during their internships. To learn more about Atlanta Public Schools CTAE program, visit: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/33800.

###

About the Buckhead Coalition

The Buckhead Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the Buckhead community within Atlanta and the greater metropolitan region. Committed to enhancing the well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors, the Coalition serves as a bridge between public and private sector leaders, fostering collaboration and strategic partnerships. By actively engaging with key stakeholders, the organization works to strengthen Buckhead’s connection to other areas of the city and region, ensuring continued growth and prosperity. Through advocacy and community engagement, the Coalition remains steadfast in its mission to support and uplift the Buckhead community, within the City of Atlanta. Learn more at: https://thebuckheadcoalition.com/