The Alabama Collective seeks to expand and enhance emerging tech, innovation and entrepreneurial programs in Alabama. By fostering growth and diversity within the state’s tech and entrepreneurial landscape, The Alabama Collective is creating a hub for minority tech talent and entrepreneurs while also preserving the existing infrastructure that is essential to economic prosperity.

The Alabama Collective is led by some of the state’s most dynamic leaders; Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham and Mayor Steven Reed of Montgomery, alongside Tech Birmingham CEO Deon Gordon and TechMGM Executive Director Charisse Stokes. These change makers have been instrumental in the growth and development of the existing technical landscape and have collaborated diligently to stand up great initiatives like: Montgomery TechLab, Bronze Valley, Apple’s EdFarm and the Lab on Dexter, a newly developed social and tech innovation facility located on historic Dexter Avenue.

After hosting multiple events in the Montgomery and Birmingham areas, the Alabama Collective has set their eyes on elevating minority tech talent across the entire state of Alabama! By leveraging our partners, their reach across multiple communities and ability to put tools and resources in the hands of many, the Alabama Collective will quickly become the state’s go to for elevating minorities in tech and innovation across Alabama.

About the Alabama Collective

This collaborative endeavor welcomes professionals to participate in a series of community conversations to influence the development and growth of minority tech talent and entrepreneurs.

On Thursday, September 1st, at the Lab on Dexter in downtown Montgomery, we held the first event in our Fall 2022 community conversation series. The Blacks in Tech and Innovation Roundtable event kicked off with Mayor Steven L. Reed of the City of Montgomery, followed by a Fireside Chat with Dr. Olivia Cook, the Director of the Center of Social Justice at Miles College, and Delali Dzirasa, CEO and Founder of Fearless Tech. Waymond Jackson, CEO of EdFarm, led a panel discussion on Engaging HBCUs in Going Digital with Darryl Peek of Google, Anissa Lumpkin of the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Rep Anthony Daniels from the Alabama House of Representatives and Innovation Corporation Board. Vic Brown, IBM Federal’s Chief Information Officer, presented before closing with a panel on Emerging Technologies for the Minority Innovator. Dr. Kenley Obas, Professor of Applied Technology at Alabama State University moderated the panel alongside Brig Gen (Retired) Greg Brundidge of Salesforce, Stacey Lusk from Microsoft, and Brig Gen Marlon Crooks from the Air National Guard. The impressive lineup addressed a variety of topics integral to the development and growth of our talent base and ecosystem in the Montgomery area.

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Available this summer

What's Next?

Internships.
Training.
Certifications.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the internships, training and certification opportunities available this summer. Stay tuned for our Fall internships, training opportunities and engagement events which include an App Build and Pitch competition.

HBCU Internship Program
Entrepreneurship Training
Pathways to Tech
Apple Swift College Courses

Virtual HBCU Build-Your-Idea Cohort

Are you ready to dive into the
world of business and creativity?

Say hello to the Virtual HBCU Build-Your-Idea Cohort – your ticket to an exciting journey of entrepreneurship, tailor-made just for students like you. Get ready for a hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom, where your ideas take center stage and your dreams take flight.
Crafted for HBCU Pioneers: We get you – your dreams, your ambitions. This program is all about helping you turn your ideas into reality, with guidance every step of the way.

Important Dates:

recruiting for the fall cohort has closed, stay tuned for another cohort soon

What's in Store for You:

Step-by-Step Learning: Dive into the basics of business with our easy-to-follow curriculum. No previous experience is needed – just bring your passion!

Friendly Guides: Our instructors are here to make learning fun and approachable. No matter your background, they’ll be there to support you.

Personal Mentoring: Connect with professionals who want to see you succeed. Get advice, overcome challenges, and shape your ideas with their help.

More than Business: This isn’t your typical program. We care about your well-being as much as your business success. Learn how to manage stress, stay focused, and be the best version of yourself.

Meet Successful Leaders: Ever wondered how CEOs got where they are? Learn from the best and get inspired to start your own journey.

Your Own Website: Show off your ideas with pride. We’ll help you set up a professional website that showcases your creativity.

Your Professional Image: Get a polished business photo that’s perfect for your brand.

Share Your Story: Spread the word about your business through live social media broadcasts. Let your passion shine and make your mark.

Flexible Schedule: Join us twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for just 2 hours and 15 minutes each session.

Online Experience: All you need is Zoom – attend from wherever you are!

Special Offer for First 50 HBCU Students:

The first 50 HBCU student entrepreneurs to sign up with their university’s email address will receive a free year-long subscription to MasterClass (www.MasterClass.com). Learn from the pros and supercharge your journey, all thanks to the OULaunchpad Entrepreneurship and Esports Center.

Rewards Await You:
To celebrate your commitment, you’ll receive a $250 stipend at the end of the program. It’s a token of our appreciation for your hard work and dedication.

Ready to Get Started?
This is your chance to take the first step towards something amazing. Join us, and let’s make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality!