Justin Shaifer Mentors HBCU Students as Part of the ‘Discover the Unexpected’ Internship Program
06 Jul 2023
APB Speaker and STEM Advocate Justin “Mr. Fascinate” Shaifer recently returned to Detroit as a student mentor for the “Discover the Unexpected” HBCU internship program. It’s his third year participating in the program.
Ten students from around the country have gathered in the Motor City to partake in a 10-week immersive internship in marketing and communications, learning content creation and familiarizing themselves with the technological advancements that power the automotive industry.
Fellows are working alongside National Newspaper Publication Association (NNPA) journalists and Chevrolet marketing teams while experiencing the all-new 2024 Chevrolet Trax on a group road trip to grow their professional skills, collaborate on innovative and challenging assignments and document their journey on social media. This is the seventh year Chevrolet and the NNPA have hosted the program. Upon completion of the program, Chevrolet and the NNPA will award each fellow $18,000 between scholarships and stipends, totaling over $750,000.
“I was a beneficiary of internships when I went to an HBCU when I was an undergrad,” Shaifer said in an interview with Rollingout.com. “Every time I talk to students [who] are of that age range that we work with, I always encourage them to get or go after internships. Since these kids have gotten into the program, I realized this is a cool opportunity for kids to get this firsthand experience in these kinds of career fields. They’re paired with mentors and managers, and they understand what it would take to pursue the next steps of their career, whether that’s working with Chevy, working with the NNPA or doing their own thing.”
Shaifer is an award-winning TV host and producer who is at the forefront of transforming science and tech education. He is a leader in media, science and technology and has produced and starred in creative concepts with major networks and companies like ABC, PBS Digital Studios, Chevy Bolt, NVIDIA and more. He has also been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Technology, cementing his status as a leader who is reshaping the landscape of science and technology education with his innovative approach.