Steve Harvey Hosts First-Ever Pay It Forward Academy for Teens and Their Parents

Media personality and comedic legend, STEVE HARVEY trades quips with a group of captivated teens during an improv session at the Whole World Improv Theatre on Saturday, July 25. Harvey, celebrity ambassador for the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program, offered feedback on their performances, shared tips on how to be successful and advised them to always dream big. The event is part of a jam-packed weekend for the inaugural Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy in Atlanta.

In its fourth year, the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program has provided avenues to help youth pursue their aspirations of higher education through once-in-a-lifetime mentorship opportunities. Through a nomination and extensive selection process, 22 teens and the moms/guardians who support them were chosen to participate. In addition to interaction with Harvey, yesterday the attendees had a Q&A session with Judge Glenda Hatchett during their National Center for Civil and Human Rights tour and a session with radio personality Big Tigger in the Coca-Cola Kickback Lounge at the InterContinental Buckhead hotel.

The weekend's activities offer valuable resources and information on topics including the importance of a personal brand, how to prepare for higher education and financial literacy. The Academy will conclude on Sunday. Coca-Cola Pay It Forward also awards each teen a $5,000 scholarship.

Photo credit: Moses Robinson/Getty