DivInc Partners with NBA Foundation to Launch 2025 Internship Program Focused on Empowering Black Youth

Houston, TX – [16 December 2024] – DivInc, a nonprofit business accelerator and community leader fostering equity and innovation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, is proud to announce an impactful new collaboration with the NBA Foundation for its 2025 Internship Program. This collaboration aims to provide 25 paid internship opportunities for Black Houston youth aged 18-24, connecting them with innovative startups across DivInc's portfolio of tech companies.

With a mission to advance Black youth through education and economic empowerment, the collaboration with the NBA Foundation will enable DivInc to expand its impact through additional intern placements. This program will equip young talent with hands-on experience in the fast-paced startup ecosystem, a vital step toward breaking systemic barriers and creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. DivInc also provides operational support to their alumni companies, hiring interns to ensure the founders are well-equipped to support an expanded team.

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Empowering the Future of Black Innovation

This initiative underscores the NBA Foundation’s commitment to creating pathways to success for Black youth. The program, which focuses on startups and entrepreneurship, offers invaluable tools for professional development and long-term career growth. 

"We are thrilled to partner with the NBA Foundation to bring this transformative opportunity to life," said Ashley DeWalt, Managing Director. "Together, we are bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, creating meaningful experiences that empower Black youth to lead in their communities and beyond."

Through this initiative, DivInc aims to position interns for career opportunities with average salaries exceeding $55,000, compared to the average entry-level salary of $51,977. This program also provides startups with high-value talent, helping founders reach critical milestones while promoting diversity in the workplace.

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Program Highlights

The 10-week internship program, set to begin in June 2025, is designed to provide hands-on experience for interns and operational growth opportunities for participating founders. Key program elements include professional development workshops, hands-on startup experience for interns, operational and team development for founders, and nationwide access to talent. 

The 2025 program builds on the success of the flagship 2024 internship program powered by Blackstone LaunchPad. This internship program placed 30 students in paid internships at 13 companies. Students completed projects in web development, product development, and marketing. You can read more about the 2024 program on DivInc’s blog.

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Get Involved

If you are a Black student based in Houston, TX aged 18-24 you can apply to the Internship Program here [https://tinyurl.com/2025divincinternship]. Applications are due January 31, 2025. Follow DivInc on LinkedIn and @wearedivinc on Instagram for program updates and to meet some of the tech companies where you may get the chance to intern.

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About DivInc

DivInc’s mission is to generate social and economic equity through entrepreneurship. Our vision is a world that is authentically diverse, equitable, and inclusive, where social and economic disparities no longer exist.

​We occupy a unique space of providing resources to support underrepresented groups while creating a community. We are unique because we care about our founders at our core and reflect that in every action. DivInc empowers the next generation of leaders through initiatives like the internship program and accelerators to drive innovation and impact.

For more information on the 2025 Internship Program or to join our mission, visit divinc.org and subscribe to our newsletter.

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