Over the summer, DuPont provided six talented FOSSI scholars with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience.
Rhythm Hairston (Norfolk State University), Jaylen Deloatch (NCA&T), Jasmine Rodgers (Hampton University), Tyra Ravenell (Alabama A&M University), Anthony Lockett (Howard University), and Larry Caldwell (Virginia State University) joined the company at four different DuPont sites.
FOSSI scholars learn more about their sponsor company
Scholars spent approximately 1
2 weeks learning about manufacturing and facilities services and real estate (FSRE) as well as participating in professional development seminars and networking events with more than 140 other DuPont student summer employees.
In August, the FOSSI scholars were invited to DuPont’s headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, for an action-packed two days where they learned about DuPont’s history, networked with senior leadership and early career employees, explored DuPont innovations, toured a manufacturing facility, and participated in a career panel discussion.
Scholars share their enthusiasm
As the events wrapped up, scholars shared their thoughts on the experience.
Tyra Ravenell commented, “The experience granted me invaluable skills in the corporate world, particularly in lean management. Armed with the tools I acquired, I took the lead on a project that made a significant impact on day-to-day manufacturing operations. The opportunity to work for DuPont and be a part of this exceptional team has left me profoundly grateful. I am hopeful for the chance to collaborate with them again in the near future!”
An enthusiastic Rhythm Hairston added, “I really enjoyed my time at DuPont this summer and would love to return. I love the culture and the people. Everyone is so nice and willing to pour their knowledge into me.”
“My major takeaway is that I now know what I want to do in the future,” said Anthony Lockett. “I was
unsure but now I know I want to get into manufacturing. I love the production process and the different realms you can get into in production or manufacturing. I am grateful to DuPont for giving me this experience.”
Jaylen Deloatch noted, “The best part about my internship was getting to hear about everyone’s career paths, what made them successful, and having our DuPont FOSSI mentors there to help guide us in our own careers.”
Jasmine Rodgers shared, “The best part of my summer at DuPont has been the opportunity to network with experienced professionals and build lasting connections with talented young engineers. I was also able to complete more than 30 service hours through DuPont’s volunteer program.”
DuPont expresses their appreciation
DuPont’s Monique Bowford, Americas Logistics Leader and DuPont liaison for FOSSI, and Andrew Reyna, Engineering and Supply Chain Development Program Lead, said that the interns were vital to the success of their projects this summer, adding, “We’re incredibly proud of their work!”
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.