Atlanta event aims to broaden athletes' horizons beyond the game
Atlanta – For many young athletes, the allure of a professional sports career often overshadows other possibilities. But a new initiative is challenging that narrow focus, equipping students with skills applicable far beyond the playing field.
Power shift: athletes discover skills for future careers
Young Gifted Techie (YGT), a local youth organization centered on Technology and career development, recently hosted its inaugural “Power Shift: Athlete Skills That Build Careers” event. The event, held Sunday, brought together former NFL players, coaches, and industry experts to mentor young athletes on leadership, career planning, and alternative pathways.
The free program exposed students to careers in diverse fields like business, media, finance, and cybersecurity – sectors demanding the same discipline and teamwork honed through athletic pursuits. The message resonated with attendees like Taris Avery-Choice, who emphasized that success extends beyond athletics. “There’s definitely more than just sports,” Avery-Choice stated, highlighting the importance of voice, confidence, and self-assuredness.
Kendra Choice, founder and CEO of Young Gifted Techie, explained the organization's core mission: to provide young people, particularly Black youth, with access to opportunities and skills often unavailable to them. YGT focuses on building confidence, coding proficiency, community engagement, and career exposure. “We want them to go, grow, and glow,” Choice said, stressing the importance of understanding career options – not just selecting one.
The event underscored a stark reality: only approximately 2% of high school athletes reach the professional level. Tashard Choice, running backs coach for the Detroit Lions, underscored this point, emphasizing the need for a backup plan driven by passion. He also highlighted the growing role of Technology in sports, from data analysis to operational aspects, making digital literacy an asset both on and off the field. “The more you can learn, the more you can do,” Choice stated.
Beyond the one-day event, YGT offers ongoing programming, including coding workshops and mentorship opportunities. The organization actively seeks partnerships with corporations and community members to support its initiatives.
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