There’s strength in numbers.
Lifestyle chain DTLR, with more than 240 stores in 19 states, is partnering with the United States Army to provide educational and career opportunities in communities nationwide. Starting this summer, DTLR will join forces with the U.S. Army to host summer block parties to bring opportunities, fun and food to neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. and North Carolina, sponsor the fall homecoming tour at select Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBSCUs), and bring career opportunities to soldiers in transition through the Army’s Partnership for Youth Success Program (PaYS).
“DTLR is honored to join forces with the U.S. Army, as both of our organizations are strong advocates of providing access to education and career opportunities to diverse communities throughout the country,” states Shawn Caesar, vice president of marketing. “DTLR educates our communities about their endless potential by connecting them to people, places and experiences that may have seemed unreachable, and we are thrilled to be entering into this unique partnership to expand those opportunities and have a greater impact on even more lives.”
The block parties will promote the advantages of the U.S. Army ROTC College Program. Interested attendees can connect with ROTC recruiters to learn more about the college program and key benefits, including 100-percent paid tuition while training on weekends to become an Army Officer. The program allows students to get a college degree along with a guaranteed career after graduation as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard. The ROTC program is offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities nationwide. The first block party is scheduled for July 30 in Washington, D.C., from 3-7 p.m., at Unity Health Care. The event will include live entertainment, artists meet and greet, food and gaming trucks, fitness challenges, free grocery giveaways, and more.
The Army’s sponsorship of DTLR’s 2022 HBCU Tour will provide the organization with access to students at select institutions across the country. The tour will bring musical performances and educational experiences to students during homecoming events. Returning the support, DTLR has become the first and only retailer of the Army’s PaYS program, a partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of companies and public sector agencies, that will guarantee soldiers an interview and possible employment at a corporate or management level at DTLR after their service.
Caesar believes the partnership will provide DTLR a competitive advantage that directly impacts its business. “In dealing with the Great Resignation, the benefits of this partnership will assist our organization with achieving our recruitment efforts to support the business by having a streamlined, efficient recruitment process that will provide DTLR with higher quality candidates that are more engaged,” he says, noting that attracting, developing, and retaining the best talent is a key company initiative. “The Army is known for providing specialized skills training for their soldiers and leadership development as we are looking to build on the quality of the leadership training for our management teams. The Army’s focus on leadership development aligns with our key priorities.”
The Army is hoorah on teaming with DTLR. “We are excited to partner with DTLR and its efforts to bring education and training opportunity awareness to diverse communities across this great nation,” says commented Charles E. Geter, Recruiting Operations Specialist, S2 – 4th Brigade ROTC, Fort Bragg. “The United States Army and Army ROTC is committed to diversity and inclusion in its ranks and amongst its leadership. This commitment is realized by partnering with organizations such as DTLR that share common values and goals to give back to the communities they serve/”
Interested vendors and sponsors of the first block party can contact Tresse Kachel, senior director of marketing, at Tkachel@dtlr.com or 443-591-0552.
