(courtesy photo)

The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program returns this year with a stronger focus on African American moms and their impact on the academic success of their teens. Building on the initiative’s accomplishments, the 2015 program will award up to 20 winners a $5,000 scholarship and an invitation to the all-new Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy.

 Aligning with his commitment to teen mentoring, Steve Harvey returns as the program’s celebrity ambassador. He will help launch and co-host the 2015 Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy, a three-day mentoring and education preparation experience for the winners and their mothers/legal guardians. The Academy will take place in Atlanta, July 24 – 26.

 “Having a mentor as a young man played a pivotal part in my success,” said Harvey. “In the African American community, moms take on the same role. Their involvement has a crucial impact on the development of their teenagers. Through the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy, we can influence the lives of some truly deserving teens, while supporting and empowering their mothers.”

 The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy is designed to share resources to help empower moms as they prepare their teens for higher education. During the Academy, the winners will be exposed to custom experiences that will help build their confidence to pursue academic success. The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy will engage them on relevant topics like personal branding, preparing for higher education and selecting a career path. Additionally, there will be a track for moms focusing on areas including college financial preparation, self-empowerment and study skill support for their teens.