WASHINGTON - Throughout the summer, Howard University rising juniors Avery Harrell, Serenity Owens, and Gavin Kelley, alongside rising sophomore Kayla Collins, participated in a new mentorship program by Shipt, a leading retail tech company that connects people to reliable, high-quality delivery with a personal touch. The students were mentored by Issa Rae, Kemet, and other Shipt leaders to gain experience and build their professional portfolios. 

The four interns from Howard spent 12 weeks working alongside industry experts to conceptualize, film, edit and even star in a 30-second advertising spot that went live today. The spot, along with the full suite of creative assets, was unveiled in Times Square Tuesday night at an event hosted by Shipt, where the students were surprised to see their work illuminating on iconic screens. 

“I know I can speak for the entire team when I say this summer has been about growth,” said Harrell. “The progress the team and I have made over the summer has been exponential thanks to the guidance of leaders at Shipt like Alia Kemet and others. They have shown us what we can do – such as create a national advertising campaign – when we put our minds to something.” 

Shipt also announced its newest membership program, offering college students nationwide the convenience of same-day delivery with college budgets in mind. Available for $4.99 per month, students can access all the perks of a Shipt membership, receiving everything they need, from snacks to electronics, room decor, and school supplies, conveniently delivered to their dorm room, house or apartment.  

"Shipt is incredibly proud to make the convenience and simplicity of same-day delivery even more accessible and affordable for college students nationwide,” said Alia Kemet, Shipt’s Chief Marketing Officer. "Who knows better what college students want than students themselves? As a proud Howard University graduate myself, I was thrilled to work alongside these bright creative minds. The students did a brilliant job creating a best-in-class campaign while gaining real-world experience." 

Along with the new program, the company unveiled the second phase of its visionary collaboration with entrepreneur, actress, and producer Issa Rae, dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices in creative industries. According to the Association of National Advertisers’ most recent annual diversity report, African Americans make up only 7.2% of professionals in the advertising industry. This dynamic next wave is the culmination of Shipt’s unique summer internship program in conjunction with Howard University, where interns were tasked with crafting a national advertising campaign created by students for students. 

"As an artist and advocate, championing underrepresented voices has been a driving force in my career. Collaborating with Shipt on this inspired and personal journey deepens that passion," said Rae. "Witnessing the dedication and brilliance of these talented students as they create something truly extraordinary this summer is awe-inspiring. I believe their work will resonate with people from all walks of life, and I'm excited for the world to experience the impact of their remarkable talent." 

In support of the student membership launch, Rae has also curated a list of essential items for every college student, available via Shipt, to ensure the upcoming school year is a breeze. The first 500 students to sign up for the student membership will receive a complimentary kit of Issa’s college essentials. Essentials include: 

• Threshold 14 x 14 Wooden Letter Board 

• heyday 4000mAh Power Bank 

• Be Rooted 3pk Ballpoint Affirmation Pens 

• Cheez-it Extra Toasty Baked Snack Crackers 

Customers can also shop the full list of Issa’s college essentials here.  

For more details visit Shipt.com or download the Shipt app.  

Photo: Gavin is in the khaki pants and short sleeve polo shirt, Avery is in the black pants and black shirt, Serenity is in the strapless patterned dress, and Kayla is in the blue top and black pants. 

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