MEMPHIS, Tenn. Feb. 21, 2024 – Today, FedEx, the world’s largest express transportation company, announced the third cohort of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program. The program launched in 2022 as part of an expanded five-year, $5 million commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which was initially announced in 2021. The program helps prepare HBCU students for the workforce after college. Students from eight HBCUs will gain exposure to FedEx leadership, team members, and unique learning experiences that help build leadership and career-ready skills.
Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) alumnus and NFL Hall of Famer, Jerry Rice, recently joined MVSU graduating senior and program participant from the first cohort, Chanelle Houston, for the delivery of the Vince Lombardi Trophy during Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Together, Rice and Houston discussed the value of attending an HBCU and the positive impact on their college journey, what the new cohort of students could expect, and the long-standing relationship between FedEx and HBCUs.
“Providing HBCU students with the exposure and opportunities to imagine what’s next beyond college is invaluable,” said Jenny Robertson, Senior Vice President, Global Brand and Communications. “The continued support FedEx provides to HBCUs is one way we can help produce a strong talent pool of future leaders, creating additional opportunities to excel in their future career journeys.”
The third cohort will convene later this spring and participate in quarterly sessions focused on but not limited to interview training, mock interviews, and resume development. Ambassadors will also have access to apply for internships and experience mentorship opportunities with various FedEx leaders.
New participants were selected from the following eight HBCUs, most of which are regionally located in close proximity to a FedEx operating or distribution facility. The proximity allows students from within these communities more opportunities to engage with Team FedEx and learn about the business.
• Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.)
• Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tenn.)
• LeMoyne-Owen College (Memphis, Tenn.)
• Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Miss.)
• Lane College (Jackson, Tenn.)
• Paul Quinn College (Dallas, TX.)
• Miles College (Fairfield, Ala.)
• Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, N.C.)
Each year, FedEx offers student ambassadors and additional HBCU students from the eight institutions several practical experiences, including:
• The “Career Expose” where FedEx Ground leaders engage with students about transitioning from college to professional life, resume writing, career tips and a “day in the life” in Safety, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, Logistics/Supply Chain, and Operations
• The FedEx Logistics satellite office on the MVSU campus with part-time jobs for students and an opportunity for full time employment at FedEx after graduation
• The FedEx Freight Boardroom Experience, where HBCU students were introduced to career possibilities within FedEx through a simulated boardroom meeting
Watch Jerry and Chanelle’s conversation at Super Bowl LVIII here. To learn more about how FedEx supports HBCUs and hear testimonials from past student ambassador cohort participants and FedEx HBCU alumni, please visit FedExCares.com and view the HBCU Fact
