Memphis, Tennessee — DHL Supply Chain has formalized a partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA to launch a dedicated logistics patch program, aiming to introduce young girls to the complexities of the supply chain industry ahead of a nationwide rollout in 2025. The initiative targets Generation Alpha to help mitigate the impending workforce shortage caused by the retirement of Baby Boomers, a demographic shift that is currently straining hiring pipelines across the sector.
The transportation sector is grappling with a persistent talent deficit as experienced workers exit the industry. DHL Supply Chain President of Transportation Jim Monkmeyer stated that the company is actively shaping the curriculum to ensure it reflects the true breadth of logistics operations. By engaging with the Girl Scouts, the company seeks to broaden the perception of the field beyond traditional roles, showcasing the variety of career paths available in modern supply chain management.
During the pilot phase in 2023 and 2024, the program is being tested in 11 cities where 300 DHL employee volunteers will facilitate Career Days at their respective sites. These volunteers, drawn from departments including Human Resources, Engineering, and Warehouse Operations, will guide participants through the curriculum. The goal is to refine the educational content before it becomes available to all Girl Scout councils nationally in 2025, ensuring the material remains relevant and engaging for young learners.
What This Means for Drivers
While the curriculum does not focus on operating heavy vehicles, it addresses a critical narrative gap in the industry. Monkmeyer noted that highlighting the depth of logistics helps counter the misconception that the field is limited to truck driving and warehouse work. For CDL-A drivers and owner-operators, this shift in perception could eventually lead to a more diverse and stable labor pool, reducing the pressure on traditional hiring channels. It also signals that major carriers and 3PLs are investing in long-term workforce development rather than just short-term recruitment.
Industry Reaction
Scott Sureddin, CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America, emphasized that the program is an extension of the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. He noted that the Women in Supply Chain Employee Resource Group will play a central role in executing the volunteer program. Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, added that such partnerships provide girls with exposure to STEM careers and leadership opportunities they might not encounter in a traditional school setting. This collaborative approach aligns with broader efforts by the FMCSA and industry groups to attract new talent to a sector that remains vital to the US economy.
Key Points
- DHL Supply Chain is partnering with Girl Scouts of the USA to create a specialized Logistics Patch curriculum.
- The program will be piloted in 11 cities in 2023 and 2024 with the help of 300 employee volunteers.
- The curriculum includes activities like mapping product pathways and optimizing delivery routes to teach supply chain concepts.
- A national launch is scheduled for 2025, aiming to inspire the next generation of supply chain professionals.
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