Grambling State News

Among 32 HBCU students chosen to experience training with Coca-Cola & receive a $1,000 school stipend

GRAMBLING, La. – August 17, 2021 – Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED selected Grambling State University students MaKayla Robinson and De’Vante Martin to participate in its “Pay it Forward” internship program.

The initiative provides African-American youth with opportunities to celebrate achievements, further their success and learn from real-world work situations. In the past, the program has been a week-long, in-person experience. However, Coca-Cola UNITED decided that students would participate virtually again for the second year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Being selected for this internship was amazing,” Robinson said. “This was a wonderful opportunity as it provided me with a lot of knowledge, skills, and career insights for my future. It helped to prepare me with the tools and building blocks of a successful career.”

A senior chemistry major with a minor in biology, Robison plans to further her education next fall at pharmacy school. The El Dorado, Arkansas native said she wants to become a clinical pharmacist where “I’ll be helping the underserved population and give back to my community and HBCU.”

Robinson said she is thankful to “Coca-Cola, my mentors, and my HBCU for giving me the chance to be a part of this informative and exciting program.”

Martin, a junior mass communication major from St. Joseph, Louisiana, said he is grateful and honored to have received the internship.

“I’ve learned so much and it was definitely worth my time,” he said. “Hopefully, I can use the things I’ve learned to seek more opportunities in the future with Coca-Cola.”

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students from 16 schools throughout Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED’s six state footprint submitted applications this year. The 32 winners were selected based on their standout applications and each receives a $1,000 stipend and a lifetime of Coca-Cola Brand Ambassadorship.

The selected students engaged with Coca-Cola Company teams to learn more about the organization and how to conduct business most effectively during an informative development session.

During the internship, students gain experience in a range of roles at Coca-Cola including sales, production, marketing, pricing, event planning, packaging, philanthropy, and community relations. The internship exposes them to real-world work situations, including business practices and protocols, how to network, and other skills that will prepare them for the job market.

“We are excited to engage with this remarkable group of ‘Pay It Forward’ interns,” John Sherman, President and CEO Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED, said in a press release “The purpose of this program is to encourage these young adults, enabling them to further advance their personal and career goals as they prepare for the next phase in life.”

About Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., founded in 1902 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is the second largest privately held Coca-Cola bottler in North America and the third largest bottler of Coca-Cola products in the U.S. For 118 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 its business for more than a century. Each year, millions of dollars are invested in local communities, supporting education, community development, sustainability and nonprofit organizations that empower and impact those in need.

About Grambling State University
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university that was founded in 1901. The institution has been accredited by SACSCOC, 13 associations, and in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. A member of the University of Louisiana System, Grambling State University has the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college. Offering 43 undergraduate and graduate academic programs, the 590-acre campus is home to world-class athletics, an internationally renowned marching band, and vibrant student life that enable our scholars to grow and learn in a positive environment. For more information, visit gram.edu.