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 positioned to expand 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 employers. 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 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. Retain Local Talent: Encourage UGA students from rural communities to return to their hometowns after graduation by offering meaningful, paid summer internships that help them build local connections and professional networks.
2. Support Workforce Development: Strengthen the local workforce in rural Georgia by providing businesses and organizations access to bright, motivated interns, who bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills to their communities.
3. Foster Community Engagement: Encourage students to not only work in their hometowns but also engage in community service and civic activities, helping to deepen their connection to the community and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
4. Promote Economic and Social Development: Assist in the long-term economic and social vitality of rural Georgia by addressing the talent drain, supporting local organizations, and helping to develop future leaders for these communities.
5. Create Pathways for Long-term Career Opportunities: Expose students to potential career opportunities within their hometowns and demonstrate the value of returning to rural areas to contribute professionally and personally.

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.

• I’m a current UGA student and interested in learning more about Look Ahead Georgia
• I’m a community member or employer and interested in getting our organization involved in Look Ahead Georgia