In a powerful collaboration that highlights the intersection of education, innovation, and opportunity, Chevrolet recently hosted ten students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for the culmination of the “Discover the Unexpected” (DTU) internship program. Over the span of ten weeks, these promising individuals immersed themselves in a dynamic experience centered on marketing, communications, content creation, and cutting-edge technological advancements in the automotive industry.
The DTU program, now in its eighth year, offered participants the chance to work alongside seasoned journalists from the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) while exploring the features of the 2024 Chevrolet Trax. Their journey took them on a curated road trip, documenting major events like the Major League Baseball Tribute to the Negro League Game at Rickwood Field in Alabama and the 2nd Annual Swingman HBCU All-Star Game during MLB All-Star Weekend in Arlington, TX. The students also covered a variety of national and local stories, refining their professional skills and sharing their experiences through social media.
This year’s DTU program continued its tradition of mentorship, with a focus on providing students with both professional insights and personal growth opportunities. Television host and actor Terrence Jenkins, widely recognized as Terrence J, returned as an ambassador for the third consecutive year. A proud HBCU graduate, Jenkins emphasized the critical role such programs play in shaping the futures of young professionals.
“College is a formative experience, and having opportunities and support during this time is invaluable. When utilized effectively, these opportunities can significantly impact future success,” Jenkins stated. “As a proud HBCU graduate, I’m thrilled to return to DTU and work with Chevrolet and NNPA to inspire the next generation of talented communications, journalism, and marketing professionals.”
Chevrolet’s commitment to the DTU program was underscored by Steve Majoros, the brand’s Chief Marketing Officer. Majoros highlighted the growth of the program and its impact on both the students and the broader community.
“It has been an honor to witness the growth of the DTU program over the years and to continue to provide support to HBCUs,” said Majoros. “Our new tagline, ‘Together Let’s Drive,’ reflects how DTU, Chevrolet, and the NNPA collaborate to provide mentorship and real-world experience, helping students align with successful career trajectories. Each cohort always rises to the occasion, making DTU an annual journey that’s best completed together. This program also helps us understand and connect with young, diverse consumers.”
The program’s success was also praised by Dr. Benjamin Chavis, NNPA President and CEO, who recognized the profound impact it has had on students’ lives.
“I am excited and humbled by the ongoing success and evolution of our partnership with Chevrolet for DTU,” Chavis remarked. “This program is life-changing for HBCU students, both professionally and personally, and it prepares them for future careers.”
The 2024 DTU internship began on June 12 and concluded with a celebratory ceremony in Detroit on August 9. As a testament to their hard work and dedication, each fellow was awarded $18,000 in scholarships and stipends, bringing the total amount awarded by Chevrolet and the NNPA to an impressive $930,000. This funding has supported 69 students from 23 different HBCUs since the program’s inception.
For more information on the “Discover the Unexpected” internship program, visit https://www.nnpa.org/chevydtu/.
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