Coca-Cola UNITED Accepting Applications for 2025 Pay It Forward Internship

 

Contact: Pamela Cook, Coca-Cola UNITED
PamCook@ccbcu.com

 

For Immediate Release
Coca-Cola UNITED Accepting Applications for 2025 Pay It Forward Internship
32 students representing 16 HBCUs to earn $2K stipend

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (February 2, 2025) – Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED) invites applications for the 2025 cohort of its prestigious Pay It Forward internship program. This immersive, week-long experience is designed to honor the accomplishments of students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), empower them to build on their success and reward their efforts with a $2,000 stipend.

Students aged 18 and up who are enrolled at one of the 16 HBCUs in Coca-Cola UNITED’s six-state territory are invited to apply for this exciting opportunity. The application window opens on February 2, 2025, and runs through March 30, 2025. To be eligible, students must be full-time undergraduates at one of the following HBCUs:

  • Alabama State University 
  • Albany State University 
  • Alcorn State University 
  • Clark Atlanta University 
  • Dillard University 
  • Fort Valley State University 
  • Grambling State University 
  • Miles College 
  • Morehouse College 
  • Savannah State University 
  • Southern University 
  • Spelman College 
  • Stillman College 
  • Talladega College 
  • Tuskegee University 
  • Xavier University of Louisiana 

Established in 2015 by Coca-Cola UNITED teams in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama, the Pay It Forward program empowers young adults with meaningful opportunities for success. Over the past decade, the program has positively impacted the lives of more than 100 students, leaving an inspiring legacy of growth and achievement.

The Pay It Forward program offers students an exceptional chance to dive into the diverse world of Coca-Cola UNITED, gaining practical, hands-on experience in a variety of roles. From sales and packaging to production, marketing, pricing, event planning, philanthropy and community relations, participants will explore the many dynamic facets of the company. In late summer 2025, students will take part in an engaging and interactive internship designed to connect them with various departments, providing invaluable insights and equipping them with effective business practices and all within a lively and enriching atmosphere. Internship week is set for July 28 through August 1, 2025, with opportunities available in Atlanta, Birmingham and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Students are carefully evaluated and chosen through a thorough review of their completed applications. Upon successfully completing the program, each student will receive a generous $2,000 stipend, along with the prestigious honor of becoming a lifelong Coca-Cola Brand Ambassador.

The primary aim of the Pay It Forward program is to equip students with the essential skills they need to succeed in the professional world. By immersing them in various aspects of business operations, the program helps them build expertise, develop networking abilities and master other critical competencies, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the job market with confidence.

“Mentorship and comprehensive career development opportunities, exemplified by our impactful Pay It Forward program, lie at the core of our mission,” said Pam Cook, Corporate Director, Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Coca-Cola UNITED. “We are fully committed to empowering these exceptional young adults by fostering their talents and celebrating their ambitions as they embark on the exciting journey of their professional lives, paving the way for bright and successful careers.”

For more information and application details on the Pay It Forward program, click here

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About Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. 

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED), founded in 1902 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is among the largest bottlers and distributors of Coke products in the U.S. Now with its fifth generation of family working in the business, Coca-Cola UNITED has more than 10,000 associates located in more than 50 facilities across six southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee). Historically significant franchises within our Coca-Cola UNITED family include Chattanooga, the world’s first Coca-Cola bottler; Atlanta, home of the worldwide Coca-Cola System; and Columbus, Georgia, development site of the original Coca-Cola formula.

Coca-Cola UNITED is engaged in the production, marketing, and distribution of a diverse portfolio of leading sparkling (Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Coke Zero Sugar®, Dr Pepper®, Sprite® and Fanta®) and still (smartwater®, vitaminwater®, Dasani®, POWERADE®, BODYARMOR®, Fairlife®, Gold Peak®, Monster® and Minute Maid®) non-alcoholic brands under exclusive franchise agreements principally with The Coca-Cola Company®, Keurig Dr Pepper® and Monster Energy Company®.

For more than 120 years, Coca-Cola UNITED has remained true to its foundational core values of Quality, Excellence, Integrity and Respect.  Local relationships, personalized customer service and strong community engagement have been the foundation of our business for more than a century. Each year, millions of dollars are invested in our local communities, supporting education, community development, sustainability and nonprofit organizations that empower and impact those in need. Learn more at cocacolaunited.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).