Driving Towards a Brighter Future: HBCU Students Steer a New Course

There’s a story that’s decorating countless lives of students across America. Born out of a partnership between Chevrolet and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the initiative aptly named Discover the Unexpected (DTU), is making a tangible difference.

This innovative internship program, now in its seminal seventh run, is far from another checkbox on a resume. The fellowship, lovingly designed for ten Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) students, brings together the vibrant world of marketing and the meticulously passionate craft of NNPA journalism.

Steve Majoros, Chevrolet’s Chief Marketing Officer, reveals the distinct purpose behind DTU, “We aim to transform this opportunity into a life-altering experience that informs and fosters the students’ career paths.”

This year, the fellows embarked on yet another inspiring journey with the program. The students had an opportunity to dive deep into the nuts and bolts of the all-new 2024 Chevy Trax. They explored the robust Chevy Safety Assist* suite, enriching their understanding of vehicle safety features.

However, DTU isn’t restricted to the confines of preaching business tactics and strategies. The program serves as a launchpad for students to engage authentically with the industry, offering them chances to attend top-tier events like the NNPA National Convention, participate in the Tennessee State University DTU content project, and thrive within the exciting environment of the MLB Swingman Classic.

Transitions are vital, and for the DTU fellows, a golden roster of HBCU alumni gracefully steps in. These mentors include the likes of Terrence J, STEM advocate Justin “Mr. Fascinate” Shaifer, and ESPN’s sports journalist Tiffany Greene. Moreover, they also got an insightful glimpse into the futuristic use of AI in media, thanks to publicist and content creator, Brandi Merriweather, also known as TheGenZPublicist.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., NNPA’s President and CEO, shares his thoughts on the partnership, “This collaboration cultivates a new generation of journalists and breathes a fresh perspective into our newspapers.”

Since its inception, Discover the Unexpected has made milestone achievements. It has been a catalyst in nurturing 59 students across 22 HBCUs, offering more than $750,000 in scholarships and stipends. This initiative is not just developing skills but constantly creating a conduit of talent, as proven by the many successful stories where DTU fellows have made their mark at GM and NNPA.

In a nutshell, Chevrolet’s DTU program is a testament to the power of partnerships, mentorships, and rich opportunities. It underlines the essence of not just launching careers, but fostering strong, enduring communities in the process.