Student Business Shadow Project (SBSP)

The Student Business Shadow Program (SBSP) is a hands-on summer internship program that introduces high school students to the world of business and entrepreneurship. Participants spend time working alongside business owners and their teams, observing daily operations, and completing meaningful work projects to gain practical experience.

When not shadowing business partners, students take classes covering topics such as finance, budgeting, customer service, entrepreneurship fundamentals, presentation skills, public speaking, resume writing, and professional communication.

At the end of the program, students prepare a written or multimedia presentation about their experience. Those who complete all requirements are recognized at a graduation ceremony.

In addition to summer activities, students can participate in field trips during the program that explores specific industries. Students are selected through nominations by schools, ABL members, and community partners.

Interested Students Application

Interested Businesses Questionnaire

Program Goals

Provide participating youth with successful minority business role models who will help them to see a career in business as a possibility.
Demystify business by providing the youth with a variety of on-site, hands-on business experiences with minority-owned companies and their employees.
Provide youth with the opportunity to study, write about, articulate and share their experiences with others.
Provide youth with mentor relationships and potential employment opportunities with participating minority businesses.
Provide urban school systems with a vehicle for establishing relationships with minority businesses.

Participating Schools

Atlanta Public Schools (APS), ABL members, and partnering entities in conjunction with ABL identifies the participating schools. The League works with APS to identify student participants.

Participating Students

The age range for eligible students is between 15 and 17 years. They must be in the 10th or 11th grade and be performing well in school. They must complete the SBSP application, which must be completed by the student and approved by a parent or guardian.