MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Four Alabama State University (ASU) students are preparing to head to Houston for AfroTech 2025, one of the nation’s largest gatherings celebrating Black innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. For these young trailblazers, the trip represents both a professional opportunity and a statement of determination — the result of weeks of grassroots fundraising and community support.
A Transformative Journey Ahead
For senior Makaylah Harris, the conference is far more than a trip — it’s a gateway to her career. “As a graduating senior, I’m looking for open employment,” she said, viewing AfroTech as a place to meet recruiters, network with industry leaders, and sharpen her skills before stepping into the job market.
Her classmate Emmanuel Hayes expressed similar excitement. “It’s a space where people in tech go to get exposure and really experience what the industry looks like up close,” he explained.
The four students earned Premier Passes valued at roughly $3,500 each, giving them full access to AfroTech’s workshops, certification sessions, and high-profile speaker panels. Those passes were awarded through the university’s Hornets in Tech initiative — a student-driven group dedicated to increasing representation of Black students in the technology sector.
The Fundraising Push
While their entry to the conference was covered, the students still faced a financial gap: nearly $4,000 in travel, lodging, and meal expenses. Refusing to give up, Harris launched a fundraising campaign and personally reached out to local businesses and alumni for support.
“We actually got a lot of no’s,” she admitted, describing the experience as both humbling and motivating. Eventually, donations began to trickle in — and each contribution brought them one step closer to Houston.
Representation, Equity, and Legacy
Attending AfroTech is a milestone for ASU and a broader symbol of opportunity for historically Black colleges and universities. The conference offers direct access to major tech companies recruiting diverse talent, along with immersive training and certification opportunities in fields like cybersecurity, software development, and data analytics.
For students like Harris and Hayes, it’s not only about personal growth — it’s about representation. “We want to come back and build a pipeline for future students,” Harris said. The team plans to share their experience with peers, mentor underclassmen, and help create a sustainable tradition of HBCU participation in tech industry events.
Hornets in Tech: A Student-Led Movement
The Hornets in Tech program was launched to bridge the gap between ASU’s academic strengths and the tech sector’s career demands. By securing opportunities such as AfroTech, the group seeks to prepare students for competitive roles in major corporations, startups, and emerging technology fields.
The initiative emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and exposure — empowering students to take ownership of their professional paths. Harris and her teammates hope their story inspires others at ASU to think bigger, apply for programs beyond campus, and view fundraising as a tool for empowerment rather than limitation.
Community Backing and University Pride
As word of the students’ journey spread across Montgomery, support began to grow. Faculty members, alumni, and local organizations rallied behind the effort, citing the students’ persistence as a model of self-determination and excellence. University officials praised their drive, noting that their success reflects the spirit of Alabama State’s mission: education through innovation and community engagement.
Looking Ahead to Houston
The group departs at midnight, heading to Houston for a week packed with panels, networking sessions, and workshops on emerging tech disciplines. While housing and travel costs remain a concern, they’re moving forward with confidence — focused on what they’ll gain, not what they lack.
Their shared goal is clear: to return to Montgomery with new skills, professional contacts, and a renewed sense of purpose — not just for themselves, but for the next generation of Hornets determined to break into the tech industry.
A Vision for the Future
What began as a fundraising challenge has turned into a defining moment for these students. It’s a story about persistence, access, and ambition — about how four young leaders turned obstacles into opportunity. As they take their place at AfroTech 2025, they carry with them the pride of their university, their community, and the promise of what’s possible when preparation meets purpose.
