Keynote HP HBCU Tech Conference

HP HBCU Tech Conference – Robert F. Smith, a billionaire philanthropist, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s second annual virtual technology conference for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), according to HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ). The four-day conference, which runs from September 13 to 16, is sponsored by HP and supported by partners Microsoft and Intel. On Tuesday, September 13, at 11 a.m., HuffPost Editor-in-Chief Danielle Belton will host a pre-recorded virtual fireside chat with Smith. Eastern. 
 
Smith, a digital transformation expert and the founder, chairman, and CEO of the private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, established the nonprofit Student Freedom Initiative to address college debt and other obstacles to success for HBCU students. Smith’s attendance at the conference has sparked a wider discussion with HP about how the two groups may work together. 
 
In order to speed up HBCUs’ digital transformation and get them ready for their students’ digital futures, HP established the HBCU Technology Conference in 2021 as part of its goal to become the most ethical and sustainable technology company in the world. 
 
greater availability of tech jobs 
supporting tech entrepreneurs and innovation 
improved academic support, technology infrastructure, and cybersecurity 
empowering and collaborating with HBCU leaders 
Increasing access to high-quality medical care 
 
HP Chief Diversity Officer Lesley Slaton Brown said, “We believe that equitable access and representation promote better outcomes which contribute to innovation. “After two years of remote learning and growing cybersecurity threats to institutions, it is important to promoting equality to advance the infrastructure that supports tech curriculum, trains students for careers in tech, and mitigates security concerns.” 
 
In order to provide HBCU students, IT personnel, and faculty/administration with a valuable experience, HP has closely collaborated with HBCUs of various sizes around the nation. The HBCU Digital Transformation Study, which will assist HBCUs in benchmarking their digital transformation journeys and engaging in dialogue with other HBCUs, is also being launched by HP in collaboration with HolonIQ, a global impact intelligence platform. 
 
More than 1,000 HBCU students, faculty, IT staff, and university administrators from the more than 80 participating HBCUs have enrolled for the conference.

HP HBCU Tech Conference

The Future of Work Academy, which comprises the following, will be available to students. 
 
Opportunities for professional advancement and employment, as well as discussions with experts on how to get ready for IT vocations. 
A career accelerator where participants can apply for internships and jobs and receive assistance with their résumé and LinkedIn profile before the conference. 
 
A two-day interactive seminar covering technical education and subjects related to career readiness 
 
Competitions for four student “innovation incubators.” Teams will compete in a bot-a-thon, marketing, health IT, or gaming event to find solutions to real-world business problems. 
 
A four-day virtual conference for IT, faculty, staff, and HBCU executives will provide industry insights and sessions on subjects like defending HBCUs from cybersecurity assaults, talent development, tech curriculum, and diversifying the IT workforce. 
 
According to Thomas K. Hudson, J.D., president of Jackson State University, “HBCU partnerships with the tech industry will increase awareness and access and offer opportunities to be at the table with advocates who can go to bat for the brilliant talent on HBCU campuses who will add value to tech corporations.” “Having a modern tech infrastructure in place to defend against ransomware attacks that endanger students’ privacy and the viability of institutions is equally crucial.”