You’re Invited to the 2024 North Carolina HBCU Smart Cities Challenge Showcase!
Participating Cities
Message from our City Partners
Billy Whitehead, Smart City Program Manager
City of Morrisville, North Carolina
Keyana Watson, Budget Manager
City of Rocky Mount, North Carolina
2024 Showcase Schedule
21
March
Dinner Reception
(Invite-Only)
Hosted by the city of Winston-Salem, this event is a carefully curated, invite-only reception that serves as the grand inauguration for the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge Events unfolding across Winston-Salem. This distinguished gathering is dedicated to honoring the outstanding fellows who have successfully completed the program, accompanied by captivating keynote speakers, expertly catered cuisine, and ample networking opportunities for all attendees.
22
March
Community TechDay
Community TechDay is an all day event that highlights local and national companies doing really cool things in tech for local Winston-Salem residents, state-wide college students, and high school students focused in STEM. This event promises a day filled with innovation, inspiration, and insightful discussions as we bring together leading minds from the technology industry, vibrant HBCU students and faculty, and the diverse community of Winston-Salem and beyond.
23
March
Pitch Competition
Step into the spotlight at the grand finale pitch event held on the prestigious campus of Winston-Salem State University. This exclusive occasion will witness students vying for a substantial share of a $10,000 cash prize pool. Following an intensive 5-month journey of attending workshops, collaborating with city officials, and crafting real-world solutions to pressing challenges, our dedicated fellows are poised to present their innovative ideas. Before a distinguished panel of judges and a captivated audience comprising both local and national influencers, these aspiring minds will showcase the tangible outcomes of their hard work and creativity.
City of Winston-Salem Impact case study
Revitalizing Cities
Explore a compelling case study that highlights how Pathway OZ spearheaded the transformation of a designated Opportunity Zone within a city.
Download the detailed case study to learn about our specific initiatives, investments, and outcomes that led to the revitalization of the community. Witness the positive impact on local businesses, job creation, and overall quality of life.
Transforming lives
Impact on Students
Through our work in Opportunity Zones, we directly impact the lives of countless students. By providing educational opportunities, internships, and career pathways, we empower the next generation of leaders.
Explore the data-driven impact we have had on student success and read inspiring quotes from students who have benefited from our initiatives. These success stories showcase the transformative power of our partnerships.
“I’m glad I came to this event, because it’s going to enhance my knowledge and help me be a catalyst for my success later on in the future.”
Jalen Franklin
Winston-Salem State University
Thank you to our Sponsors
Latest News
Latest News
So the three computer science students — Ndhlovu at St. Augustine’s University in nearby Raleigh and Bhebhe and Mukuchura at Alabama State University, all historically Black institutions — joined forces to figure that out. As part of the inaugural HBCU Smart Cities Challenge, they developed a proof of concept for a platform that could give first responders, including police officers, timely and relevant information to help them make smarter decisions faster. And that, Mukuchura says, could also fortify trust in communities where faith in first responders may be lacking.
Latest News
Learn more about the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge hosted by WSSU and the City of Winston-Salem, where we are fostering innovation and sustainable urban development.
Latest News
Dive into our exclusive interview with Afroflare, where we discuss the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge and the transformative potential of the program.