Chevrolet is revving up its commitment to diversity and talent development with the eighth year of its “Discover the Unexpected” (DTU) internship program, a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). This year’s program kicked off on June 12 and culminated in a vibrant ceremony in Detroit on August 9, celebrating the achievements of ten exceptional HBCU students.

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

During their ten-week immersive experience, these students dived headfirst into the realms of marketing, communications, and content creation, exploring the latest innovations in the automotive industry. The fellows hit the road in the sleek 2024 Chevrolet Trax, embarking on a curated journey that took them to pivotal events such as 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.

This hands-on experience not only enhanced their professional skills but also provided them with the opportunity to document their journey on social media, showcasing their unique perspectives as budding industry professionals. 

A Generous Investment in Future Success

Chevrolet and the NNPA awarded each fellow an impressive $18,000 in scholarships and stipends, bringing the total investment in the program to $930,000 over the years, benefiting 69 students from 23 HBCUs. “College is a formative experience, and having opportunities and support during this time is invaluable,” said television host and actor Terrence Jenkins, who returned for his third year as an ambassador. “These opportunities can significantly impact future success.”

Mentorship Matters

The program’s success is not just about financial support; it’s also about mentorship. Each year, HBCU alumni serve as mentors and ambassadors, providing invaluable insights and support to the fellows. Steve Majoros, Chief Marketing Officer at Chevrolet, emphasized the importance of these relationships: “Our new tagline, ‘Together Let’s Drive,’ reflects how DTU, Chevrolet, and the NNPA collaborate to provide mentorship and real-world experience. Each cohort always rises to the occasion, making DTU an annual journey best completed together.”

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, NNPA President and CEO, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the program’s life-changing impact: “This program is life-changing for HBCU students, both professionally and personally, preparing them for future careers.”

Celebrating the Journey and Future Possibilities

As the DTU program continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the students and the broader community remains profound. Chevrolet’s dedication to supporting HBCU students through DTU not only fosters diversity within the automotive and media industries but also empowers the next generation of leaders to drive change in their communities.

To learn more about the Discover the Unexpected internship program and its ongoing initiatives, visit https://www.nnpa.org/chevydtu/. Here’s to more years of innovation, inspiration, and empowerment—because together, we can drive toward a brighter future!