Alabama State Students Gear Up for AfroTech After Fundraising Success

A group of students from Alabama State University is set to embark on an exciting journey to Houston, Texas, as they prepare for the prestigious AfroTech 2025 conference. Departing at midnight, these students view this event as a transformative opportunity not just for themselves, but for their community as well.

The anticipation among the students is palpable as they discuss their hopes for the conference. “As a graduating senior, I am looking for open employment. So, hopefully I’ll go and leave with a job,” said Makaylah Harris, one of the attendees. AfroTech is recognized nationally as a platform where major technology firms, including Amazon, Apple, and Google, seek to recruit and mentor future innovators.

Harris’s journey to AfroTech began when she recognized the financial challenges associated with attending the conference. To address this, she launched a GoFundMe campaign and actively sought financial support. “And we actually got a lot of no’s,” she explained, demonstrating her determination to make this opportunity a reality.

Through her perseverance, Harris secured Premier Passes valued at $3,500 from the conference organizers. These passes grant her and three other students full access to workshops, networking events, and career sessions throughout the conference. “There are even panels where you can get certifications within the week you are there. So, it’s just a space where people in tech go to really get exposure and experience the life of tech,” said Emmanuel Hayes, another student participating in the event.

The significance of this trip extends beyond the students’ individual aspirations. Harris stated, “Our ultimate goal for Hornets in Tech was to leverage students’ opportunities and gain insights in the tech industry and different tech trends. This is part of our ultimate goal and part of our legacy we plan to leave at Alabama State.”

While their conference passes have been covered, the group is still working to raise an additional $4,000 to cover expenses such as housing, meals, and transportation. The students are committed to sharing the knowledge and experiences they gain at AfroTech with their community, aiming to establish a pipeline that facilitates future participation for other students.

The journey of these four students exemplifies the power of determination and community support in pursuing educational and professional opportunities. Their experience at AfroTech could prove instrumental in shaping their futures and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.