As part of Archway’s commitment to enhancing workforce development in rural Georgia, we launched the Look Ahead Georgia pilot program in summer 2024, starting in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County. Look Ahead Georgia is now expanding into more Archway Communities across Georgia and is designed to encourage UGA students to return to their rural hometowns by offering internships in local businesses, governments, and nonprofits.

Often, UGA students move away after graduation, unaware of the promising career, financial, and social opportunities in their hometowns. This internship program helps them discover the wealth of opportunities in their respective hometowns across almost every field of study, while bridging the gap that often makes these connections difficult.

We are excited to partner with local employers, the UGA Career Center, and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development to create an ecosystem that connects UGA students with unique opportunities. For employers who participate in Look Ahead Georgia, this program offers recruitment support at nearly no cost.  For students, this program gives them invaluable, real-world career experience and a chance to earn a $5,000 stipend.

Through Archway’s support, students not only gain real world work experience but also develop an understanding of effective community engagement as professionals. Participating in civic activities, such as community listening sessions and civic clubs, helps them build lasting ties to their hometowns and empowers them to become future leaders in their communities.

The goals of Look Ahead Georgia are to:

1. Create Pathways to Retain Local Talent – Offer meaningful internships that build local networks and expose UGA students to viable career paths in their rural communities.

2. Strengthen the Rural Workforce and Economy – Connect local organizations with skilled UGA interns, leveraging university resources to support workforce development, strengthen community capacity, and reduce out-migration.

3. Foster Civic and Community Engagement – Promote active student involvement in civic life and community service, cultivating a lasting sense of responsibility and leadership.

These goals are designed to benefit both the students and the participating communities, creating a win-win scenario for future workforce development and local sustainability.

For questions about the program, please contact LookAheadGeorgia@uga.edu.

• We are always recruiting for new host employers for student internships. Are you a community member or employer, interested in getting your organization involved in Look Ahead Georgia? Click here to contact us about potential internship opportunities.