November 1st 2023.
The 8th Annual BE Smart Hackathon is almost here and it's set to be the biggest event yet! Hosted by American Airlines at their headquarters in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, the four-day event will bring together 180 students from 15 HBCUs from November 2nd to November 5th.
This year’s theme “No Code No Switch” is sure to bring out the innovative minds of these dynamic students. Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., President and CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE, believes that this event is an important part of nurturing HBCU students’ talent. “The demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever, and BE recognizes the importance of nurturing the talent that already exists within HBCUs,” he stated in a press release.
At the Hackathon, students will have the chance to build lasting connections and enrich their resumes with meaningful experiences. During the 24-hour hack, 36 teams will be competing for the grand prize. Thanks to American Airlines, each team will have access to technical staff for mentoring and guidance in preparing and delivering their presentations to the judging panel.
Last year, three Morehouse College students took home the win. The trio was flown to Chicago afterwards to show their winning concept to Eben Hewitt, Chief Information Officer at the Hyatt, the Hackathon’s presenting sponsor.
Cedric Rockamore, Chief Diversity Officer at American Airlines expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He said “American Airlines is proud to support the BE Smart Hackathon and play a role in fostering the next generation of tech leaders. We believe in the talent and innovation that these students bring to the table, and we’re excited to provide mentorship and career opportunities. This event is a testament to the power of diversity in driving technological advancement and we’re honored to be a part of it.”
The 15 schools that will be participating in the Hackathon are Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University, Alabama State University, Benedict College, Bethune-Cookman University, Dillard University, Edward Waters University, Fisk University, Florida A&M University, Florida Memorial University, Grambling State University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Morehouse College, and Morgan State University.
The BE Smart Hackathon is a great opportunity for HBCU students to gain valuable skills and experience. With American Airlines as the host, the competition is sure to be intense and the rewards even greater. We can’t wait to see what these amazing minds come up with!
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