General Motors continues investment in HBCUs

General Motors continues to expand and deepen its dedication to Black communities in the nation through its partnership with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). GM is the exclusive automobile sponsor of the SWAC. The three-year partnership was announced in 2021 and will continue to 2024. This past weekend, the automotive behemoth’s philanthropic footprint  touched down in Jackson, Mississippi.

Fans experienced a tailgating treat before the game kick-off. While deciding on the best food to dig into, game participants feasted their eyes on the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and the 2022 GMC Yukon AT4. All doors were open and inviting for fans of Jackson State and Southern to check out the premium features of the 2022 GMC Yukon AT4. The top-of-the-line full service SUV has:

Unique front fascia that visually carries the rugged all terrain look and supports off-road capability along with AT4-exclusive leather-appointed seats and stitching

Standard 4WD coupled with available Active Response 4WDTM system, with electronic limited-slip rear differential

Available 6.2L V-8 engine with 420 HP

Four Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension which enables the Yukon AT4 to raise an additional 2 inches

(50 mm) off the ground for greater clearance and a 32-degree approach angle for enhanced off-road capability

Standard 12 inch diagonal driver information center

One lucky winner, Eunice of Tallahassee, FL, who is a mom to a student at FAMU, received the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 which was a part of a $50,000 vehicle giveaway that was announced during the game. Its features include:

2” Factory Lift with Off-Road Suspension and Rancho®/Monotube Shocks

2-speed AutoTrac Transfer Case, Automatic Locking Rear Differential and Underbody Skid Plates

 Enhanced 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine comes standard (6.2L V8 Gas Engine available)

Unique Jet Black Interior with Kalahari Accents and Heated and Ventilated Perforated Front Leather Seating Surfaces

13.4” Diagonal Center Touch-Screen, 12.3” Diagonal Driver Info Center and Available Multicolor 15” Diagonal Head-Up Display

As a part of the tailgating experience, it sat atop a General Motors display highlighting the evolution of vehicle technology and football helmet advancements throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. 

During the SWAC Championship game between the Tigers of Jackson State University and the Southern University Jaguars, held on December 3, 2022 at Jackson’s Veterans Memorial Stadium, representatives from General Motors Multicultural Marketing Team presented check presentations during halftime.  GM Diversity Marketing Director Tarshena Armstrong and GM Diversity Marketing Manager Charles Chapman presented checks for $15,000 each for scholarships at Jackson State and Southern. They also presented a $100,000 donation to support Jackson State due to the water crisis. 

“We champion diversity and inclusion on all fronts. Our commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities is paramount to strengthening our diverse talent pipeline and propelling the visibility of student athletes, alumni, and each of the universities represented,” said Armstrong. “Representation matters. SWAC is the premiere HBCU athletic conference boasting a celebratory spirit of community and connectivity. GM is proud to help drive change and impact with our partnership across each of the SWAC sporting events.”

General Motors is also a partner with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) which the Jackson Advocate is a member of. Through its “Chevy Discover the Unexpected” (DTU) program, GM and the NNPA provide HBCU students from around the country, who are pursuing a Business- or Communications-based degree, an opportunity to be immersed in Marketing with Chevrolet and Journalism with a renowned NNPA publisher. It is a 10-week immersive summer internship that started in 2016 and allows students to learn about GM’s all-electric future so they can aid in EV adoption within their local communities. Each student receives a $10,000 scholarship and $5,000 stipend.

The ambassador for the program is Terrence J. of 106 and Park fame. During the 2022 program, there were five marketing fellows who interned at Chevrolet, and six journalism fellows who interned at the Chicago Citizen, the Houston Forward Times, the Washington Informer, the Philadelphia Tribune, and the Dallas Examiner. There have been 49 HBCU students who’ve benefited from the program and more than $600,000 spent in scholarships to HBCUs through the program. Students who complete this internship also have a chance to apply to GM for job opportunities. 

To learn more about the GM DTU program or to apply, visit https://generalmotors.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers_GM/job/Warren-Michigan-United-States-of-America/XMLNAME-2023-Summer-Intern—Chevrolet–Discover-the-Unexpected-Marketing-Intern_JR-000087864.