With a deep understanding of the burgeoning opportunities within the industry, DHL Supply Chain recently funded a scholarship supporting UCR School of Business undergraduate students earning degrees with a concentration in operations and supply chain management. This partnership underscores the growing importance of supply chain and logistics education as companies worldwide continue to navigate complex global markets.

“In order to attract and retain top talent, it is important that DHL Supply Chain exposes students to the supply chain and logistics field as early as possible,” says Caitlin Ballow, director of College Recruitment Programs, DHL Supply Chain. “By partnering with educational institutions, we can share real-world knowledge that will help improve curriculums and ensure students are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to allow for a more seamless transition into the world of work.”

Over the course of five years, this DHL Supply Chain Future Leaders Fund, in the total amount of $25,000, will provide two annual scholarships of up to $2,500 each to third-year students. These scholarships are designed not only to provide financial assistance but also to encourage students to engage with leadership opportunities and practical work experience. Each recipient will be expected to participate in leadership activities on campus, maintain some form of employment experience in any industry, and demonstrate financial need. Together, these requirements ensure that scholarship recipients are not only strong academically but also developing the professional and interpersonal skills that will make them successful after graduation.

“We are very pleased to partner with DHL Supply Chain and extraordinarily grateful for their generosity in funding this scholarship,” says UCR School of Business Dean Yunzeng Wang. “DHL is the world’s leading logistics company and a No. 1-ranked ‘World’s Best Workplaces’ by Fortune Magazine. With more than 400,000 employees around the world, DHL is an exceptional example of industry leadership and opportunity for our students.”

The partnership also reflects broader industry trends. According to Ballow, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of supply chain managers will grow 7% from 2020 to 2030—faster than the average for all occupations. This growth points to the ongoing need for well-trained graduates who can adapt to an industry shaped by globalization, e-commerce, technological innovation, and shifting consumer expectations. “Students in the field can expect a fulfilling career with many opportunities for advancement as the field is interdisciplinary,” adds Ballow. “Operations and supply chain management draws on a variety of disciplines, including business, economics, engineering, and information technology.”

By highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of supply chain management, the scholarship program encourages students from diverse backgrounds to pursue the field. Courses in this concentration at UCR expose students to both theoretical frameworks and hands-on learning opportunities, preparing them to apply classroom knowledge directly to industry challenges. The scholarship helps make this preparation more accessible to students who might otherwise face financial barriers.

“Every business, no matter what industry it is in, needs to have an efficient and effective operations and supply chain system. This makes operations and supply chain professionals in high demand and gives them a lot of influence within their organizations.” This statement reinforces the critical role that supply chain plays across industries, from technology to healthcare, manufacturing to retail. The scholarship, therefore, not only supports students but also strengthens the long-term pipeline of talent for companies like DHL and beyond.

By investing in students today, DHL Supply Chain is helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Through financial support, mentorship, and the prestige of being associated with a global industry leader, recipients of the Future Leaders Fund will carry forward the skills, confidence, and connections necessary to thrive in their future careers.