EDUCATION

Southern University Students Earn Coveted Spots in Coca-Cola Internship Program

Curtis Williams and Kinnady Barlow were chosen from Coca-Cola UNITED’s West Region, based in Baton Rouge, to join a group of 31 students nationwide. Each participant will receive a $2,000 stipend and the distinguished title of lifetime Coca-Cola Brand Ambassador.

Aaron Escort, Sr.

Jul 29, 2024 — 1 min read

From left: Morio Lee, Coca-Cola Special Project Manager Region, Louisiana Division; John Pierre, chancellor of Southern University and A&M College; Curtis Williams, Southern student; Kinnady Barlow, Southern student; Dennis Shields, president of the Southern University System; Scott McCallister, Coca Cola West Region Vice President; and Roderick Crockett, On-Premise Business Development Manager.

BATON ROUGE, La. — Two students from Southern University have been selected for the esteemed 2024 Pay It Forward internship program by Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED). This program, which targets students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), provides a week-long intensive experience to foster their professional development.

The internship, held from July 15-19, offered comprehensive exposure to various corporate functions, including sales, production, marketing, and human resources. The Pay It Forward program is designed to impart essential business skills, providing a practical understanding of daily operations and the importance of networking in the professional world.

“This program is an invaluable opportunity for these promising students to expand their professional networks, develop key skills, and gain insights into potential career paths,” said Mike Suco, President and CEO of Coca-Cola UNITED.

In addition to sessions with top company executives, the students participated in a special workshop led by Larry Thornton of the Why Not Win Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering individual excellence through leadership training.

Since its inception in 2015 by Coca-Cola UNITED teams in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama, the Pay It Forward program has been a vital stepping stone for more than 100 students, offering a gateway to professional success.

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