Metro Atlanta high school students interested in a career in sports or sports management will have the opportunity of a lifetime as the Atlanta Falcons retail group, Falcons 365, teams up with Junior Achievement of Georgia to present “The Business of Sports”. The three-part program will give students classroom training, work experience, and the chance to learn from Falcons executives.

“Our desire was to create a one-of-a-kind relationship with a leadership-driven organization that would enable us to give students more than just an everyday experience working as a volunteer,” said Angela Bostick Atlanta Falcons manager of retail marketing and merchandise. “‘The Business of Sports’ will give students a chance to be exposed to so many facets of our business, and will be a great career development tool for anyone interested in the world of sports.”

With its established career development curriculum, JA of Georgia was a natural choice for a partner.

“This innovative program will lend an exciting new dimension to Junior Achievement of Georgia’s career readiness programs,” said Donna Stone Buchanan, president of Junior Achievment of Georgia. “It will open students’ eyes to the fact that within the sports industry, like every industry, there is a wonderful variety of careers needing motivated future employees just like our participants.”

“The business of sports is brimming with opportunities, and we’re excited to be working alongside Junior Achievement to share insights with young people who may be interested in pursuing a career in the field,” said Dick Sullivan, Falcons executive vice president of marketing. “In particular, there’s a lot of fresh branding and retailing information we can convey, given the success we’ve had with our Falcons 365 stores.”

The six month program kicks off with training sessions in June. Students will then develop the skills they learn by volunteering to work at the Georgia Dome on five game days. Those who successfully complete the program will have the opportunity to attend a business summit with Falcons executives and players in Flowery Branch. The summit will expose students to the variety of careers within the sports field, from marketing to finance to player programs.

Applications are currently being accepted on both Falcons 365 and Junior Achievement of Georgia’s websites; interested high school students must apply by May 21.

About Junior Achievement of Georgia, Inc.
Using hands-on experiences, Junior Achievement of Georgia helps young people understand the “economics of life.” JA brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential by is bridging the business and education communities. JA’s success depends on the involvement of people who want to make a difference in the life of a child, which possible through volunteering your time or donations. During the 2005-2006 school year, JA of Georgia impacted over 101,000 students statewide through six district offices located in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton, Gainesville, and Savannah. For more information, visit www.georgia.ja.org.

About Falcons 365
Since opening in 2005, Falcons 365 has served as a one-stop shop for all things Falcons. The store’s product mix, which was built to meet the demands of the team’s fan base, initially included more than 200 items, and has grown to more than 1,000 products, including apparel, exclusive items including memorabilia, custom jerseys, tailgating and novelty items. In its first year, Falcons 365 became a very real part of the Falcons experience, featuring player and cheerleader appearances, live radio broadcasts and football-related workshops in season. With locations at Lenox and Perimeter malls, the store seeks to connect fans with the team through superior custom service, compelling and valuable products, and access to the team in ways unparalleled. For more information or to apply, visit www.falcons365.com.