Georgia Power and Atlanta Hawks expand HBCU Pathways program for fourth consecutive year

Rhea-AI Summary

Georgia Power (NYSE: SO) and the Atlanta Hawks are expanding the HBCU Pathways program for a fourth consecutive year to provide paid, 10-week internships and career pathways for HBCU students in Georgia. Since 2023 the program has supported 21 students; the 2025 cohort offers 8 internship spots across departments including Brand Communications, Digital Marketing, Sales, Event Operations and Analytics. The application window closes Jan. 16, 2026. Georgia Power has donated $5.5 million+ to HBCU initiatives; Southern Company's broader commitment totals $50 million.

Positive

• Supported 21 students since 2023
• 8 paid internships available for 2025 cohort
• Application deadline: Jan. 16, 2026
• Georgia Power donated $5.5M+ to HBCU initiatives
• Southern Company committed $50M nationwide

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+0.22%

1 alert

+0.22% News Effect

On the day this news was published, SO gained 0.22%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Students supported: 21 students Internship duration: 10 weeks 2025 cohort spots: 8 internships +5 more

8 metrics

Students supported 21 students HBCU Pathways program since launch in 2023

Internship duration 10 weeks Length of HBCU Pathways paid internship

2025 cohort spots 8 internships Available positions in 2025 HBCU Pathways cohort

Application deadline Jan. 16, 2026 Closing date for 2025 HBCU Pathways cohort applications

HBCU donations $5.5 million Georgia Power Foundation support to HBCU initiatives in Georgia since 1986

Southern HBCU investment $50 million Southern Company’s broader multi-year investment in HBCUs nationwide

Customer base 2.8 million customers Georgia Power customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties

Program history 4th consecutive year Duration of Georgia Power–Atlanta Hawks HBCU Pathways partnership

Market Reality Check

Price: $90.29 Vol: Volume 8,948,189 is 38% a...

normal vol

$90.29 Last Close

Volume Volume 8,948,189 is 38% above the 20-day average of 6,488,323, showing elevated interest ahead of this CSR-focused update. normal

Technical Shares at $87.03 are trading below the 200-day MA of $91.57, indicating a weaker longer-term trend despite today’s gain.

Peers on Argus

SO gained 1.54% with stronger volume, while large regulated electric peers mostl...

SO gained 1.54% with stronger volume, while large regulated electric peers mostly advanced: DUK +1.7%, D +1.16%, NGG +0.48%, AEP +0.24%, with only XEL slightly lower at -0.62%. This suggests a constructive sector backdrop alongside the community-impact news.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 16 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 16	Employer ranking	Positive	-0.3%	Recognition as No. 1 U.S. employer for veterans on Best for Vets list.
Dec 15	Generation project	Positive	+1.9%	Turbine and generator arrival for Plant Yates Unit 9 supporting 1,300 MW capacity.
Dec 10	Regulatory agreement	Positive	-1.6%	Stipulated agreement enabling ~9,900 MW of new resources while lowering costs.
Dec 8	Transmission upgrades	Positive	-0.8%	Announcement of long-term transmission projects including 35-mile 500 kV line.
Dec 2	Rate commitment	Positive	+0.0%	Alabama Power’s pledge to keep regulated retail rate components steady through 2027.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive operational and regulatory developments have produced mixed price reactions, with slightly more divergence than alignment.

Recent Company History

Over the past few weeks, Southern Company and its subsidiaries have reported multiple positive developments. On Dec 2, Alabama Power committed to steady rates through 2027. Georgia Power then detailed major transmission expansion on Dec 8, a stipulated agreement to support ~9,900 MW of new resources on Dec 10, and delivery of key equipment for 1,300 MW of new capacity on Dec 15. On Dec 16, Southern Company was ranked No. 1 on the 2025 Military Times Best for Vets list. Today’s HBCU Pathways update fits the pattern of ongoing infrastructure and community-focused initiatives.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Southern Company’s emphasis on workforce development and community enga...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Southern Company’s emphasis on workforce development and community engagement through the HBCU Pathways program, now entering its fourth year. The initiative has supported 21 students since 2023 and offers 8 paid internship spots for the 2025 cohort. In context of recent infrastructure and regulatory developments, it reinforces Georgia Power’s long-term commitment to HBCUs and its $5.5 million in related donations, alongside Southern Company’s broader $50 million HBCU investment.

Key Terms

hbcu, renewables

2 terms

hbcu other

"to support students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Georgia."

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are colleges and universities founded to educate Black students and preserve cultural heritage, serving as long-standing community hubs and talent pipelines. Investors watch HBCUs like other higher-education institutions because their enrollment, endowments, campus real estate, government funding and alumni networks affect revenue, bond ratings and local economic activity—similar to how a key employer shapes a town’s economy.

renewables technical

"includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind."

Renewables are energy sources that are naturally replenished over short time spans—like sunlight, wind, flowing water, and plant-based fuels—used to generate electricity, heat, or fuel. For investors, renewables matter because they represent a shifting energy mix with long-term demand potential, often requiring big upfront investment but offering predictable operating costs and exposure to government policies and incentives; think of them like a rechargeable power supply replacing one-time fuels.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Partnership continues to empower HBCU students with paid internships and career opportunities; application window closes Jan. 16

ATLANTA, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the fourth consecutive year, Georgia Power will host the HBCU Pathways program in partnership with the Atlanta Hawks to support students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Georgia.

Since its launch in 2023, the HBCU Pathways program has supported 21 students, with several alumni securing full-time roles in sports, entertainment, and corporate sectors following their internships.

"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," said Jonathan King, director of workforce development at Georgia Power. "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 with the Atlanta Hawks designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in sports, entertainment, and business. The program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities. For the 2025 cohort, there are eight internship spots available in various departments including Brand Communications, Global Partnership – Activations, Retail, Digital Marketing, Global Partnership – Sales, CPS Ticket Sales, Event Operations and Hawks IQ (Analytics). The application window closes on Jan. 16, 2026.

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

Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has a longstanding commitment to supporting HBCUs. Since the creation of the Georgia Power Foundation in 1986, the company has donated more than $5.5 million to HBCU initiatives in Georgia, as part of Southern Company's broader $50 million multi-year investment in HBCUs nationwide.

To apply for the program, visit www.nba.com/hawks/hbcu-pathways.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

About Atlanta Hawks
Committed to entertaining and uniting the city of Atlanta since 1968, the Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena, under the leadership of Principal Owners Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz, continue to build bridges through basketball by following its True to Atlanta mantra. On the court, the Hawks' exciting young core is led by three-time All-Star point guard Trae Young. Off the court, the Hawks organization focuses on positively impacting the lives of Atlantans through providing access to youth basketball, fighting food insecurity, and the transformation of State Farm Arena into Georgia's largest-ever voting precinct for the 2020 elections. The Hawks family also includes the College Park Skyhawks (NBA G League). Atlanta Hawks Membership, which includes your seat for every home game, is on sale now at www.hawks.com/membership or by calling 866-715-1500. For more information on the Hawks, log on to www.hawks.com or follow us on social media @ATLHawks.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/georgia-power-and-atlanta-hawks-expand-hbcu-pathways-program-for-fourth-consecutive-year-302646234.html

SOURCE Georgia Power

FAQ

What is the HBCU Pathways program announced by Georgia Power and the Atlanta Hawks (SO)?

A 10-week paid internship program placing HBCU students in Hawks departments to gain hands-on sports, entertainment, and business experience.

How many internship spots does the 2025 HBCU Pathways cohort offer at Atlanta Hawks (SO)?

The 2025 cohort offers 8 internship spots across functions including Brand Communications, Digital Marketing, Sales, Event Operations and Analytics.

What is the application deadline for the Georgia Power and Atlanta Hawks HBCU Pathways program (SO)?

The application window closes on Jan. 16, 2026.

How many students has the HBCU Pathways program supported since launch and what are hiring outcomes?

Since its 2023 launch the program has supported 21 students, with several alumni securing full-time roles in sports, entertainment, and corporate sectors.

How much has Georgia Power (SO) contributed to HBCU initiatives in Georgia?

Georgia Power has donated more than $5.5 million to HBCU initiatives in Georgia since 1986.