Atlanta Youth Mentorship Program Connects Athletes with Tech Leaders

Young Gifted Techie event shows students how sports skills translate to careers beyond pro sports

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new Atlanta-based youth organization called Young Gifted Techie (YGT) hosted its first "Power Shift" event, bringing together former NFL players, coaches, and tech industry professionals to mentor young athletes on translating their sports skills into careers in fields like business, media, finance, and cybersecurity. The free event aimed to expose students to a wider range of career options beyond just professional sports.

Why it matters

Many young athletes, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, often feel like professional sports is the only viable path forward. Events like "Power Shift" are working to shift that mindset by showing students that the discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills they develop through athletics can be valuable assets in a variety of careers, including those in the growing tech industry.

The details

The "Power Shift" event featured workshops, mentorship opportunities, and panels where students could learn about different career paths and the real-world realities of those fields. Speakers emphasized that only about 2% of high school athletes go pro, so it's important for young people to have a plan beyond just sports. The event also highlighted how technology is becoming increasingly integrated into sports, making tech skills valuable for athletes to develop.

  • The first-ever "Power Shift" event was held on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • Young Gifted Techie plans to make "Power Shift" an annual event going forward.

The players

Young Gifted Techie (YGT)

A local youth organization in Atlanta focused on technology and career development, with a mission to give young people, particularly Black youth, access to spaces and skills they may not otherwise encounter.

Taris Avery-Choice

An attendee of the "Power Shift" event who said the message was clear that there are more options beyond just sports.

Kendra Choice

The founder and CEO of Young Gifted Techie, who says the organization was built to develop a more confident and connected generation of young people by exposing them to a variety of career paths.

Tashard Choice

A running backs coach for the Detroit Lions who returned to Atlanta to speak at the "Power Shift" event, emphasizing the importance of having a plan beyond just professional sports.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's definitely more than just sports. Use your voice, be confident, and understand you belong in these rooms.”

— Taris Avery-Choice, Attendee

“We're intentionally developing a more confident, more connected generation. We want them to understand their options — not just pick a career, but truly know what that path looks like.”

— Kendra Choice, Founder and CEO, Young Gifted Techie

“Only about 2% of high school athletes go pro. So it's important to have a plan — something you're passionate about beyond the game.”

— Tashard Choice, Running Backs Coach, Detroit Lions

What’s next

Young Gifted Techie plans to expand the "Power Shift" event in the future and is calling on corporate partners and community members to get involved through mentorship, funding, or programming support.

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of exposing young athletes, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to a wider range of career options beyond just professional sports. By helping students understand how their existing skills can translate to success in tech, business, and other fields, programs like Young Gifted Techie are empowering the next generation to pursue their passions and achieve their full potential.