Unlock Your Potential: Atlanta's Essential Guide to Young Professional Development Opportunities & Awards

Atlanta offers a vibrant ecosystem for young professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills and advance their careers. Here's a list of notable programs and opportunities, along with their URLs:

• LEAD Atlanta (part of Leadership Atlanta)

  • Description: An intensive eight-month leadership development and community education program specifically for promising young professionals (ages 27-34) in Metro Atlanta. It focuses on personal, professional, and community education, aiming to equip young leaders for effective civic engagement.

  • URL: https://leadershipatl.azurewebsites.net/LEADAtlanta (This is a specific page for LEAD Atlanta on the Leadership Atlanta site)

  • Note: Leadership Atlanta also has a signature program for more established leaders.

• Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program (CLP)

  • Description: A dynamic leadership development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of change makers in metro Atlanta. Through workshops, training, and hands-on community engagement, Fellows gain real-world experience in the civic sector.

  • URL: https://www.handsonatlanta.org/civic-leadership

• ChooseATL Young Leaders Network

  • Description: A program for young professionals under 40 that provides access to the business community, a network of peers, and a conduit to have real impact around the region. Members gain access to networking events, immersion excursions, and a nonprofit board training series.

  • URL: https://www.chooseatl.com/more/young-leaders-network

• Andrew Young Emerging Leaders (AYEL) Program

  • Description: A pioneering initiative committed to fostering the growth of future leaders, named in honor of Ambassador Andrew Young. It combines mentorship, skill-building workshops, and community engagement projects to empower participants as influential change-makers.

  • URL: https://nbcahof.org/andrew-young-emerging-leaders/

• The Emerging 100

  • Description: The Emerging 100 of Atlanta is the official young professional auxiliary of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. Comprised of high-achieving Black men between the ages of 25-35 years old, we serve as role models to the community and strive to be the premier young professional’s organization by enhancing the mentoring and tutoring programs of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc.

  • URL: https://emerging100atl.org/

• Regional Leadership Institute (RLI)

o   Description: RLI is a unique program that brings together a cross-section of leaders from across the metro region to share knowledge, learn and discuss key policy issues that impact the region, as well as build relationships to shape our region’s future to be inclusive and equitable for all its residents

  o  URL: https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/leadership-development/regional- leadership-institute/

• YNPN Atlanta

o      Description: Atlanta’s Next Generation of Nonprofit Leaders

o   URL: https://www.ynpnatlanta.org/

Industry-Specific & General Professional Development

• Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Young Professionals

  • Description: For young professionals in the technology sector, this society offers networking, collaboration, and professional development opportunities. They aim to connect young tech professionals with executives and provide tools for career success.

  • URL: https://www.tagonline.org/societies/young-professionals/

• Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Atlanta - Emerging Leaders

  • Description: A robust network for professionals age 35 and younger or new to the industry who are involved in corporate growth, corporate development, and mergers and acquisitions. They provide networking and content programming.

  • URL: https://www.acg.org/atlanta/networks/emerging-leaders-atlanta

• American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC Georgia) Future Leaders Program

  • Description: A comprehensive leadership development program specifically for emerging engineering professionals employed by ACEC Georgia member firms. It covers managerial skills, business development, HR, and more.

  • URL: https://americancouncilofengineeringcompaniesofgeorgiaacec.growthzoneapp.com/eventcalendar/Details/2024-25-future-leaders-program-1152553?sourceTypeId=Hub

• Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) HYPE (Hispanic Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs)

  • Description: A division of the GHCC dedicated to connecting, developing, and empowering young professionals and entrepreneurs through community, economic, and leadership opportunities.

  • URL: https://www.ghcc.org/hype

• Gwinnett Young Professionals (GYP)

  • Description: An initiative of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, GYP champions young professionals (ages 21-35) living and/or working in Gwinnett County. They offer a variety of programs and events for connection, growth, and impact.

  • URL: https://gwinnettyoungprofessionals.com/

Specialized Programs (May have eligibility requirements)

• Atlanta GLOW (Growing Leadership Of Women)

  • Description: Provides mentorship, leadership development, workforce readiness, and life skills training opportunities to underserved young women and girls (ages 14-25).

  • URL: https://www.atlantaglow.org/

General Professional Development & Networking Resources

• Eventbrite (Atlanta Young Professionals Events)

  • Description: While not a specific program, Eventbrite is a great platform to find various one-off workshops, networking events, and smaller professional development sessions hosted by different organizations in Atlanta.

  • URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ga--atlanta/young-professionals/

Tips for Young Professionals:

• Check Eligibility: Many programs have age or experience requirements or may be for members of a specific industry or organization. Always check before applying.

• Networking: Attending events and programs is also a fantastic way to network with peers and more experienced professionals in the Atlanta area.

• LinkedIn: Follow these organizations on LinkedIn for updates on program applications and events.

• Information Sessions: Many programs offer information sessions to learn more before applying.

Atlanta has several prestigious awards recognizing the achievements of young professionals, particularly the "40 Under 40" format which is popular among business publications and university alumni associations. Here's a list:

Awards for Young Professionals in Atlanta

General Business & Community Awards (40 Under 40)

• Atlanta Business Chronicle - 40 Under 40

  • Description: This is one of the most well-known "40 Under 40" awards in Atlanta. The Atlanta Business Chronicle recognizes 40 outstanding individuals under the age of 40 who are making significant strides in their careers and contributing to the Atlanta community.

  • URL: While direct nomination forms change annually, you typically find information on their main site under "Awards" or "Events." Keep an eye on:

    • https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/ (Search for "40 Under 40" on their site)

• Georgia Trend - 40 Under 40

  • Description: Georgia Trend magazine recognizes 40 of Georgia's brightest and most promising young professionals and leaders. This award extends beyond just Atlanta to cover the entire state.

  • URL: Similar to the Business Chronicle, look for "Awards" or "40 Under 40" on their main site: https://www.georgiatrend.com/

University Alumni "40 Under 40" Awards (for alumni of specific universities)

Many universities with a strong presence in Georgia recognize their young alumni who have achieved significant success. If you're an alum of one of these, these are highly relevant.

• University of Georgia Alumni Association - 40 Under 40

  • Description: Honors 40 exceptional UGA alumni under the age of 40 who have demonstrated success in their careers, made a positive impact in their communities, and uphold the university's values.

  • URL: https://alumni.uga.edu/40u40/

• Georgia Tech Alumni Association - 40 Under 40

  • Description: Recognizes Georgia Tech alumni under 40 who have made significant impacts in their professions, communities, and/or through philanthropic endeavors.

  • URL: https://www.gtalumni.org/s/1481/alumni/19/interior.aspx?sid=1481&gid=21&pgid=19379 (This is typically the nomination/overview page)

• Emory University - 40 Under Forty

  • Description: Celebrates a select number of notable Emory alumni under 40 who are becoming pioneers in their fields and exemplifying the university's values.

  • URL: https://together.emory.edu/alumni/awards/40-under-forty

• Georgia State University Alumni Association - 40 Under 40

  • Description: Honors, recognizes, and celebrates the most influential and impactful Georgia State graduates who are under 40 and embody the values of the university.

  • URL: https://alumni.gsu.edu/40under40/

• Clark Atlanta University - 40 Under 40 Young Alumni Achievement Awards

  • Description: Recognizes individuals under the age of 40 who are alumni of Clark Atlanta University and are contributing to advancement in various fields.

  • URL: https://www.cau.edu/40-under-40-young-alumni-achievement-awards/

Specific Community/Industry Awards

• Outstanding Atlanta (OA)

  • Description: Established in 1968, OA recognizes 10 young leaders (ages 21-40) in Atlanta annually who have distinguished themselves in their careers and/or community outreach. This is a very prestigious local award.

  • URL: https://www.outstandingatlanta.org/

• Cobb Young Professionals (CYP) - Next Generation Award

  • Description: An initiative of the Cobb Chamber, this award recognizes the top young professionals in their 20s and 30s who are active in the Cobb community, demonstrate leadership, and offer unique perspectives.

  • URL: While there isn't a direct "awards" page, information is usually found through the Cobb Chamber or Cobb Young Professionals general site and press releases:

    • https://gwinnettyoungprofessionals.com/ (While the link is for Gwinnett, you would typically find Cobb's via the Cobb Chamber of Commerce)

    • Look for news releases on sites like https://metroatlantaceo.com/ or the Cobb Chamber's main site.

• JCI USA - Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) (National, but Atlanta professionals are eligible)

  • Description: While not exclusive to Atlanta, JCI USA (Junior Chamber International USA) administers this national award honoring exceptional leaders between 18 and 40 across diverse fields. Many Atlanta professionals are nominated and win.

  • URL: https://www.jciusa.org/toya-landing-page/

  
  

Tips for Finding and Applying for Awards:

• Stay Connected: Follow local business journals, chambers of commerce (Atlanta, Gwinnett, Cobb, etc.), and alumni associations on social media and subscribe to their newsletters. This is often how award nominations are announced.

• Networking: Being active in professional and civic organizations can put you in a position to be nominated or to learn about opportunities.

• Check Eligibility: Always carefully review the age, residency, and specific achievement criteria for each award.

• Prepare Your Materials: Most awards require a robust nomination packet, often including a resume, bio, and essays detailing your achievements and impact.