The Georgia Ports Authority is celebrating seven years of YES+, the program providing mentoring and career opportunities for recent high school graduates seeking to start a port career.

“YES+ has been an important part of our recruiting effort since 2018,” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch. “We've been thrilled to add so many young people with enthusiasm and a willingness to work to our team here at GPA.”

GPA YES+ celebration 2025

Since the start of the program, 51 students have been accepted, 43 of whom continue to advance their careers at Georgia Ports, spanning all activities at GPA – from administration and finance to communications and safety, as well as vessel, yard and rail operations.

“YES+ is a win for students who want to start a career soon after graduation, and a win for Georgia Ports, because it has established a new talent pipeline for recruitment,” said GPA Chief Human Resources Officer Lise Altman. “It's an on-the-job learning opportunity that prepares students to become top-performing employees and the future of GPA.”

Altman said the YES+ program is part of a broader recruitment and workforce development effort at GPA, aimed at helping employees succeed across multiple locations and departments.

“YES+ has proven to be very popular with students who are eager to start a career,” said GPA Director of Workforce Development and Training Tanya Chisholm. “More than 500 applications have already been received for 20 slots in next year's YES+ class.”
Source: Georgia Ports Authority