Free HBCU conference includes a $20,000 pitch competition

WASHINGTON, DC — Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have served as cornerstones in the black community for generations. HBCUs have produced many of the world’s most influential African-American scholars, doctors, educators, engineers, thespians, journalists, and more. Now more than ever, the collective strength stemming from these institutions is needed in our neighborhoods and social spheres. The virtual HBCU Futures Conference and Career Expo is a celebration of this collective strength and an opportunity to network with alumni, faculty, staff, current students, in addition to phenomenal guest speakers. This virtual event will be held on Wednesday, November 3 through Saturday, November 6, 2021.
The speaker lineup for this year’s conference includes Representative Alma Adams, who is a U.S. Congresswoman and North Carolina A&T alumna; Lonnie Johnson, who, in addition to inventing the super soaker water gun, holds 140 patents and is an alumnus of Tuskeegee Institute (University); and Byna Elliot, Head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase & Co. These are just a few of the many speakers who will be pouring their wealth of information into students, faculty, alumni, and friends of HBCUs.
This year’s theme, Gen[Next], is designed with an additional goal of empowering the next generation of leaders. Graduating from college can be an exciting yet scary time, especially in the circumstances of today’s world with an ever-changing economy. In addition to celebrating HBCUs, this conference also serves to remind students of the many career paths available to them after graduation and to prepare them for the shift from college life to adult life. There will be a Career Expo at the event, with a resume and interview preparation workshop available to students. Additionally, students will be able to attend a virtual brunch with JPMorgan Chase & Co. where they can network with other students and JPMorgan Chase & Co. representatives. Lunch will be free of charge to students in attendance. A salary negotiation workshop, a business startup pitch competition, along with laptop and book scholarship giveaways for current HBCU students will also be featured at this year’s conference. The winner of the business startup idea will win up to $20,000 in equity-free funding and mentorship for their business.

Whether you are a current HBCU student, alumni, or even a member of the community this conference is definitely something to put on your calendar. The workshops along with the fellowship that will be available at this event are much needed in our community. Educating and uplifting HBCU students is crucial as they prepare to come out of college and integrate the unique skills that they have learned into our society. This celebration of collective strength is sure to be an event to remember! The 2021 HBCU Futures Conference is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co, IBM, Plexo Capital, Truist, Verizon and Silicon Valley Bank. HBCU students, alumni, faculty, staff, can register for the conference for free at hbcufutures2021.splashthat.com.