Your Scholar journey is more than earning a degree. It’s discovering your passions, building confidence, and gaining experiences that will help shape your future career. 

That’s why Achieve Atlanta partners with the Partnership for Innovation (PIN). Through PIN, Achieve Atlanta Scholars gain access to paid, high-quality summer internships with mission-driven organizations focused on civic innovation, public-sector technology, and community development. These experiences allow Scholars to apply what they’re learning in the classroom while making meaningful contributions to projects that impact metro Atlanta. This year, 14 Achieve Atlanta Scholars participated in the Partnership for Innovation (PIN) program, making it our largest PIN Scholar cohort to date. 

The partnership bridges the gap between college and career, providing Scholars with opportunities to build professional skills, expand their networks, and gain real-world experience long before graduation day. 

Making an Impact on Metro Atlanta’s Future 

For John Yilu, an Achieve Atlanta Scholar and Industrial and Systems Engineering student at Georgia Tech, this summer’s internship was an opportunity to contribute to a project that is impacting the future of the region he calls home. 

John interned with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), a governmental agency dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability and public well-being throughout metro Atlanta. He joined the team working on the Metro Atlanta Climate Action Plan (MACAP), an initiative aimed at helping the region achieve near net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

“It was exciting to work on something that could have a long-term impact on so many people,” John said. 

His role focused on developing key performance metrics for the project. The work required him to identify and collect data sources, clean and validate information, create documentation, develop data visualizations, and even build a mock dashboard to help stakeholders better understand progress toward climate goals. 

The results exceeded expectations. 

“Our team originally had a goal of creating 10 metrics,” John shared. “We ended up delivering 22, hitting 220% of our target.” 

When reflecting on the summer, John’s biggest lesson wasn’t tied to coding, data, or technology. Instead, it was about people. 

“My biggest takeaway from the experience was the importance of communication and networking,” he said. “I wouldn’t have been able to learn many of the skills I did if I hadn’t asked my manager or other employees questions. Actively communicating was one of the reasons our team was able to more than double our goal.” 

This experience is a reminder that career success isn’t built on technical skills alone. Learning how to collaborate, seek guidance, and build authentic relationships can often be just as important as what happens behind a computer screen. 

Turning Opportunity into Momentum 

John’s story is exactly why Achieve Atlanta’s partnership with PIN matters. 

By connecting Scholars with meaningful, paid internships, PIN creates opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, explore potential career paths, and build professional networks while they’re still in college. Just as importantly, Scholars leave these experiences with greater confidence in their abilities and a clearer vision for their futures. 

Together, Achieve Atlanta and PIN are ensuring that Scholars don’t just make it through college. They’re helping them step into the workforce ready to lead, contribute, and make an impact from day one. 

At Achieve Atlanta, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams beyond high school—regardless of income or circumstance. That’s why we’re excited to announce the next chapter in our partnership with Fulton County Schools (FCS): the expansion of the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship and student support services to four additional high schools—Global Impact Academy, Langston Hughes High School, The Promise Career Institute, and Westlake High School.  

This expansion builds on our successful launch last fall at Creekside High School and Tri-Cities High School, bringing Achieve Atlanta’s proven model of scholarships, advising, coaching, and career readiness support to even more students across Atlanta. 

Building on a Shared Commitment to Postsecondary Success 

The decision to expand into four additional schools followed a comprehensive review of Fulton County Schools, a district that has demonstrated a strong commitment to preparing students for life after high school. Achieve Atlanta sought schools where our scholarship and support services could strengthen existing college access efforts and help more students navigate the path to a postsecondary credential. 

Together, these six Fulton County high schools represent a growing community of students who will have access to financial support and personalized guidance as they pursue college and career goals. 

“Achieve Atlanta, with the full support and enthusiasm of our Board of Directors, is thrilled to expand our scholarship and support services to more Fulton County Schools,” said Dr. Cheryl Watson-Harris, President/Executive Director of Achieve Atlanta. “Building on our success with the initial expansion into Creekside and Tri-Cities high schools, this continued growth allows us to welcome even more students into our journey to and through college. We are proud to partner with a district that shares our deep commitment to a college-going culture. Together, we’re opening doors, breaking down barriers, and empowering Scholars to pursue their dreams and thrive in college, careers, and life.” 

Meet the Four New Schools 

Global Impact Academy | Fairburn, Georgia 
Located in downtown Fairburn, Global Impact Academy is a STEM-focused magnet high school that opened in 2021. The school was designed to prepare students for high-demand careers through pathways in engineering, healthcare sciences, biotechnology, cybersecurity, computer science, energy systems, and advanced mathematics and science. 

Langston Hughes High School | Fairburn, Georgia 
Langston Hughes High School opened in 2009 and has become one of the district’s largest high schools. Named after the celebrated poet, author, and social activist Langston Hughes, the school offers students a broad range of academic and career pathways, including engineering, healthcare science, entrepreneurship, marketing, graphic design, and automotive technology. 

The Promise Career Institute | College Park, Georgia 
Located in College Park, The Promise Career Institute (PCI) represents a bold, innovative approach to high school education. Officially launched as Fulton County Schools’ career-focused high school initiative, PCI opened in 2024 and was created to help students graduate with both a high school diploma and industry-recognized technical certifications through a unique partnership with Atlanta Technical College.  

Westlake High School | Atlanta, Georgia 
Founded in 1988, Westlake High School offers a wide range of rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement and Honors courses, International Baccalaureate opportunities, and multiple world language courses.

A Partnership Focused on Possibility 

“One of our highest priorities is ensuring every Fulton County Schools student graduates with a clear pathway to college, career, or military service,” said Dr. Mike Looney, Superintendent of Fulton County Schools. “Achieve Atlanta’s expansion to four additional high schools strengthens that commitment by removing financial barriers and providing students with the guidance and resources they need to achieve their postsecondary aspirations. This partnership reflects what is possible when organizations come together to invest in the success of our students and our community.” 

Beginning this fall, Achieve Atlanta will work alongside school and district leaders to strengthen college-going supports across all six participating Fulton County schools. Eligible seniors at these schools will be able to apply for the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship beginning in February 2027. 

The scholarship provides eligible students with up to $20,000 for college tuition and fees, along with comprehensive support services that help students persist and succeed through college graduation. 

Supporting Success for More Students 

Since its founding in 2015 through the visionary support of the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, Achieve Atlanta has served more than 7,000 students, awarded more than $70 million in scholarships, and supported Scholars attending more than 400 colleges and universities nationwide. More than 2,400 Scholars have earned a postsecondary credential, transforming opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. 

Importantly, Achieve Atlanta’s longstanding partnership with Atlanta Public Schools remains unchanged. APS students and graduates will continue to receive scholarship funding and support services as part of our core commitment to Atlanta’s students. 

As we welcome students from Global Impact Academy, Langston Hughes High School, The Promise Career Institute, and Westlake High School, we move one step closer to our vision: an Atlanta where race and income no longer predict postsecondary success and upward mobility. 

Learn more about scholarship eligibility for Fulton County Schools