HBCU Innovation Experience
In partnership with Innovate Alabama, The Alabama Collective engages with HBCUs across the state bringing emerging technology, training, innovation and entrepreneurial experiences to strengthen their student base and enhance their staff and communities. This dynamic alliance has already achieved remarkable milestones, igniting innovation and entrepreneurship among HBCU communities throughout Alabama.
Innovation Power Hours
The HBCU Innovation Experience; Innovation Power Hours are where students and faculty participate in various digital skills learning labs on their campus.
This past fall, we brought you high-energy, action-packed events that were all about sparking creativity, exploring tech, and launching entrepreneurial dreams. Think of it as your one-stop shop for fun, food, music, and swag, all while diving into the coolest challenges in tech and business!
UPCOMING SPRING DATES:
Pathways to Tech
Ed Farm’s Pathways to Tech is a series of learning opportunities beginning with Apple’s Swift programming language and enhancing employability skills. Pathways learners build confidence with coding, develop digital and essential skills, and attain post-secondary credentials. Upon course completion, Ed Farm illuminates additional post-secondary pathways learners can follow to continue their journey towards software development, information technology, and entrepreneurship. Applications to our 2024 cohort are now open!
Learn more about Pathways to Tech here.
HBCU App Design
& Pitch Competition
The HBCU App Design & Pitch Competition invites students and recent graduates from Alabama’s HBCUs to showcase their technological talents. This competition provides participants with a platform to pitch their innovative app solutions to a panel of expert judges, offering not only exposure and recognition but also a bridge to address the diversity gap in tech. Winners receive significant cash prizes, fostering both innovation and career growth.
Read about the 2024 winners here. Stay Tuned for the 2025 Application
HBCU Business
Pitch Competition
The HBCU Business Pitch Competition @ Magic City Classic is an annual event for faculty and students of Alabama’s HBCUs. It provides a unique opportunity for participants to pitch their innovative business ideas live in front of a panel of esteemed judges. Competitors vie for cash prizes, aiming to turn their entrepreneurial visions into reality.
Click to read about the 2023 and the 2024 winners.
Bronze Valley gAlpha and gBeta Entrepreneurial Training Programs
gALPHA is a four-week venture-creation workshop designed to help students and technologists create high-growth startups. Get product ideas, mentorship and one-on-one coaching. Learn more here.
Bronze Valley gBETA is a seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. It runs multiple times per year and supports female entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color. Learn more here.
Ed Farm's Summer Internship Program
Ed Farm’s Summer Internship Program offers students the chance to intern with Ed Farm, guiding Code Clubs and camps for K-12 students. This internship provides valuable digital skills training and certifications for future employment in both hardware and software. Last summer, HBCU students participation in the program increased by 125%. Stay Tuned for 2025 Applications
Pivot Tech School
Pivot Tech School is a fully remote hub of technological education on a mission to create career pathways for a diverse demographic by providing education in high-demand technology skills with 14-week bootcamps. Pivot Tech’s vision is to be the leader in the development of a diverse global technology workforce. Learn more here.