Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Leaders

The HBCU Tech Summit 2024 , held at Claflin University in South Carolina on September 30, brought together over 250 representatives that included policy makers, leaders from global corporations, academia, and students from HBCU institutions. The summit was organized to discuss and embark on a crucial mission of empowering underrepresented students and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry. The event, hosted by Congressman Ro Khanna and Dr. Jennifer Clyburn Reed , accentuated the urgency of bridging the digital divide.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Dwaun Warmack , alongside Congressman Ro Khanna , set the tone for the day, emphasizing the critical nature of the summit’s mission. Ro passionately reiterated a late Civil Rights Activist’s and Congressman John Lewis’s quote, “Tech rights are the new civil rights,” a sentiment echoed by all in attendance. Dr. Clyburn Reed also stressed the need for a focus on underserved communities, reinforcing the summit’s overarching goal of creating lasting change.

Key discussions at the HBCU Tech Summit 2024 revolved around building corporate partnerships with HBCUs to drive innovation and expand opportunities for students. The Tech industry panel, moderated by Dr. Dwaun Warmack, President of Claflin University, included prominent industry leaders such as Fred Humphries , Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs at Microsoft, Amit Zavery , Vice President and General Manager of Google Cloud, Bob Feiner , Senior Vice President of Dell Technology Services, Louis Stewart , Head of Strategic Initiatives at NVIDIA, Shiv Venkataraman , Vice President at OpenAI, Lisa P Jackson , Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiative at Apple, and Steve Grossman , CEO of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. They collectively emphasized their companies' commitment to supporting HBCU talent.

Fred Humphries of Microsoft, capturing the sense of urgency, stated, “This is just a drop in the ocean. We need to do a lot more. Let’s all do it together.” His remarks resonated as a powerful call to action for collaboration between the tech industry and HBCUs.

Several major announcements punctuated the event, reflecting the commitment of the corporate giants to advancing tech education. Louis Stewart of NVIDIA pledged partnerships with five major HBCUs, a significant step toward encouraging innovation and inclusion.

Bob Feiner of Dell announced the company’s initiative to offer 5 internships for participants of the TechWise program , providing students with valuable industry experience. Amit Zavery from Google highlighted the expansion of TechWise Cohort 4, announcing 30 additional seats focused on HBCU students, bringing the total cohort to 150 students—a move that showcases Google's dedication to developing diverse tech talent. Additionally, Steve Grossman introduced the New Manufacturing Accelerator Program (MAP), aimed at boosting manufacturing capabilities in underserved communities, further widening the scope of opportunities for HBCU students and graduates.

The student panel, “Pathways to Modern Wealth Generation,” left a lasting impression on many attendees. Students from TechWise and Propel shared their personal stories of growth and transformation. Lidia Lauria described TechWise as a “transformative superpower,” while Cynthia Obiekezie spoke of the independence she gained through TechWise, reminding everyone of the summit’s ultimate goal - empowering the next generation of tech leaders.?

Dale Allsopp , Director of Ads Product Responsibility at Google, emphasized that TechWise is not just preparing students for jobs in the tech industry—it's equipping them with the skills, mindset, and resilience to thrive in an ever-evolving digital world. Dr. Santanu Paul , CEO of TalentSprint, highlighted the unique four-pillar pedagogy that underpins the TechWise program, emphasizing its innovative approach to empowering students. The pillars of TalentSprint’s distinctive pedagogy—Learning to learn, Learning by doing, Learning without the fear of failure, and Learning with peers—focuses on a transformative educational experience. This approach equips students with not just the new-age technical skills but also the confidence and adaptability needed to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

As the summit concluded, the collective sense of purpose was palpable. Congressman Ro Khanna’s closing remarks were a reminder of the task ahead - “We need to ensure equitable access to tech education.” The HBCU Tech Summit 2024 highlighted the importance of turning these discussions into concrete strategies, ensuring that the students and communities served continue to benefit from the momentum generated at this critical event.