Attending a traditional four-year college is a life-changing experience. Many students who choose that route consider it crucial to their formative era of adulthood. From making lifelong friends and unlearning things that no longer serve you to developing a sense of independence and greater resiliency — the collegiate experience can be life-defining.

Now, add that perspective to a predominantly Black environment, and this is the HBCU experience. Founded to provide access to academia that systemic racist policies and laws would not traditionally allow, HBCUs are spaces of higher learning, homes, and safe spaces for students to be cultivated, developed, matured, and uniquely nurtured.

Regardless of this context, one thing that is consistent for all college students is the journey of discovery, particularly around career goals and continued livelihood. Whether it is choosing the best major or navigating whether or not one should pursue an internship over a fellowship, college students are constantly faced with choices that can leave massive impacts on their future.

This is where AFROTECH™ U enters the chat.

AFROTECH™ U is a vital gateway for college students to access the tech industry and business opportunities. Through workshops, networking events, and job resources, it empowers students to build meaningful career pathways. The platform offers access to career fairs, mentorship programs, and educational tools that help students navigate tech careers. Additionally, the upcoming AFROTECH™ Conference will provide a platform for students to engage with tech and business leaders, explore internship opportunities, and learn about the latest innovations across several industries.

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AFROTECH™ Conference has a space for everyone, and specific things are in place to support the growth and development of students who will attend. If an HBCU isn’t your particular collegiate experience, this conference will give you a great taste of what it is like. Students will be surrounded by thousands of Black tech and business leaders, creatives, peers, and alums aligned with the path toward success each day.

Students will have access to several sessions, such as “Shaping STEM’s Future: Tech and Education,” “The Future of Work Presented by Bank of America,” “We Voted, Now What?” and “Beyond Beats with Bun B: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hip Hop.”

The Expo Hall is also the go-to place to meet prospective employers and be among top recruits, and this year, AFROTECH™ U students can check out The Yard in the space.

Don’t forget the daily Culture Park, a nice change of scenery from inside the conventional hall, and the Creator Meetup at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 14 for social media savants and content creators.

Outside of the impactful sessions students can take advantage of, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals to expand their networks and help them launch their next steps. On Nov. 15, there will be an AFROTECH™ U College Student Reception at 5:00 p.m. in the Data & Engineering Grand Ballroom B on the third floor. The reception will be an opportunity for sponsors to recruit, network and fill their organization’s talent pipeline with promising college students in tech.

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On Oct. 18, AFROTECH™ U gave students a preview of what’s to come during the conference. In partnership with Toast, we took part in the homecoming experience, bringing together Black professionals and college students in tech and providing a platform to connect with local entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovators. Attendees had the chance to build valuable connections, gain insights into the rapidly changing tech industry, and explore innovative strategies for success. Plus, it was an opportunity for students and professionals to expand their networks.

AFROTECH™ Conference 2024 is shaping up to be a top-tier event, and if you are a college student, there’s a curated experience just for you. By now, plane tickets or car rides should be secured; housing should be solidified; and a plan to keep up with your studies while away should be outlined. If those things are not lined up, get on it now. Check out this guide to ensure everything is in order to maximize your overall conference experience.

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