When HBCUs Die, So Does the Nation's Black Tech Talent.
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Posted By: Kimberly Carrington on March 10, 2024 When HBCUs Die, So Does the Nation's Black Tech Talent. HBCUs contribute to 40% of the nation's Black engineers. The dwindling of HBCUs is devastating to the future of innovation led by Black engineers. Out of 3,982 colleges in the U.S. only 99 colleges are HBCUs. 15 HBCUs have closed since 1997, with several others losing accreditation and remaining open in name only. The "HBCU Smart Cities Challenge" is on a mission to cultivate HBCU tech talent by empowering HBCU students to use technology to create solutions to issues in their city. "I work directly with over 100 HBCU students to strengthen their skills in solving pressing city challenges. I motivate them to take the lead in creating solutions without waiting for permission. Cities need their energy, ideas and action now. My goal is to build students' confidence that they can drive real impact through technology innovation. I open doors for them to apply their creativity to meaningful problems in their own backyards," says cofounder Kevin Fomengia. "I love inspiring people to be problem solvers and innovators in their own communities. So often we are told that we have to wait to be chosen, ask for permission, or worse, leave our communities altogether in order to make meaningful change. But I’m a big believer in using what’s in our backyard to change what our front yards look like. Through our work with the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge, we are showing people what it looks like to nurture the brilliance and big ideas that exist right where we live," says cofounder Ayinde Simon. "In my journey to inspire others, I like to think of inspiration in terms of what I call 'personal championships.' We often hear about champions in the context of sports, where it's all about beating the competition. But for me, the concept of a 'rival' is more of an internal challenge. It's about asking yourself what do you aim to achieve. Every goal you set and meet, no matter the size, is like winning a championship. Winning professional, but also personal championships are what I believe truly inspire others," says cofounder Earl Turner. Learn more about the impact these men are making by visiting www.pathwayoz.com/hbcusmartcities If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Kimberly Carrington
Creative Writer, Freelance Clark Atlanta University class of 2022 Member Since March 2024 |
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