2026 Summer Partnership for Innovation (PIN) Internship
The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) celebrated the accomplishments of its 2026 Partnership for Innovation (PIN) Summer Interns, William Price and Tania Alanis, at the PIN Emerging Innovators Celebration and Poster Showcase held July 31 in Kennesaw, Georgia.
The event marked the conclusion of the 12-week PIN Summer Internship program, which connects college students with organizations across Georgia and the Southeast to gain hands-on experience while contributing to real-world projects in their host communities.
During their time with SWGRC, William and Tania worked alongside Commission staff in support of regional planning efforts in Southwest Georgia, including work on the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
Connecting Southwest Georgia
William and Tania contributed to SWGRC’s Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, helping support efforts to improve connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians throughout the 14-county region. The interns’ summer project focused specifically on the first phase of the plan and the development of regional connectivity routes.
Their work included researching existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities, developing potential routes connecting county seats, evaluating existing infrastructure, and identifying areas where new or improved facilities could strengthen connections between communities.
Using mapping and planning resources, including SWGRC’s GIS tools, they helped develop a regional network of proposed routes and trails. Their research and findings will serve as a resource as SWGRC continues development of the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
Celebrating the Summer of Learning and Innovation
At the July 31 celebration, William and Tania joined PIN interns from across Georgia and the Southeast to showcase the projects they completed during the summer and share what they learned with fellow interns, mentors, project leaders, and community partners.
Barbara Reddick, SWGRC Deputy/Planning Director, and Kay Olubowale, Senior Planner, attended the celebration in support of the interns and represented SWGRC at the event.
SWGRC is proud to have served as a host organization for the 2026 PIN Summer Internship and appreciates the work, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives William and Tania brought to the Commission during their time with the program.
Their contributions not only provided valuable professional experience but also helped advance projects that will support planning and connectivity efforts across Southwest Georgia for years to come.
