BDI Elevate Academy

Employ your potential.

We are here to support you on your journey to independence.

Elevate Academy combines workplace readiness, work adjustment training and career pathway exploration with job placement and ongoing coaching creating a clear pathway to long-term, meaningful employment.

The program helps you gain the confidence you need to secure long-term employment, earn an income, and contribute to a financially stable community.

Elevate Academy intern working in the Bobby Dodd Institute warehouse

Our goal? 100 percent employment success after program completion.

It’s time to take the next step toward a bright and independent future.

Applications are now closed! Join the waitlist. 

Why join Elevate Academy?

Elevate Academy helped me tackle some of my fears about not being competent enough, which was a big concern of mine for quite some time. What I like the most about the program is the fact that I could take part and be able to self-improve.

Jordan

Elevate Academy Intern

Step 1
20 Weeks of Paid Job Training at Bobby Dodd Institute

Start your career with a paid job training program in Atlanta at Bobby Dodd Institute. During this 20-week internship, you’ll work on-site, explore different departments and take on real responsibilities that build your skills and confidence. You’ll learn what it’s like to be part of a professional team while discovering your strengths and career interests, all while getting paid for your work.

Step 2
10 Weeks With Partner Employers and Job Coaching Support

After your training at Bobby Dodd Institute, you’ll spend 10 additional weeks working with partner employers in the community, while earning income. You’ll be matched with a company that fits your skills, interests, and career goals. A dedicated job coach will support you every step of the way, helping you adjust to your new workplace and build lasting confidence on the job.

Step 3
100 Percent Job Placement After Completion

When you finish the program, you’ll have job placement with an employer that aligns with your interests and skills. You’ll leave with professional experience, strong connections, and a clear next step in your career journey. This program is designed to help you move from training to meaningful employment.

Thinking about your loved one’s future career?

Will they be stuck at home, or will they be gaining the skills they need to build a bright and independent future? Finding the right path is not always easy, and we know it. That’s where Elevate Academy comes in. Based on deep research, the program is designed to empower youths with disabilities by providing real-world job experience in a structured, supportive environment. Through skills-building, confidence development and employer partnerships, we help interns achieve sustainable employment and independence.

Eligibility requirements.

Are you our next intern? Elevate Academy is open to motivated individuals who meet the following criteria:

Become an employer partner with a purpose!

Strengthen your workforce with motivated, enthusiastic, and capable individuals while contributing to the community. Through your partnership with Elevate Academy, you can provide meaningful work experiences for young adults with disabilities. These interns bring fresh perspectives, dedication, and a strong work ethic that adds real value to your team. With the Elevate Academy comprehensive training and ongoing support, each participant arrives well-prepared to make a meaningful contribution to your workplace and beyond.

Learn how to become a partner!
Email:elevate@bobbydodd.org

Employer Partners:
Financial Supporters:
The Sara Giles Moore Foundation
 
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
 
Truist Foundation
 
Georgia Health Initiative
 
The Aprio Foundation

When you finish the program, you’ll have job placement with an employer that aligns with your interests and skills. You’ll leave with professional experience, strong connections, and a clear next step in your career journey. This program is designed to help you move from training to meaningful employment.

COX Logo
Additional funding provided by:
The Aprio logo with a text: Passionate for what's next
Development Authority of Fulton County (DAFC) logo

Program partners:

Cisco logo
Watering Seeds Foundation logo

How are we doing?

We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your honest feedback helps us get better at what we do.