GSU students chosen as ‘Pay It Forward’ internship winners

GRAMBLING — 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 realworld 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.”