TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Stillman College hosted the HBCU Innovation Power Hour on Wednesday, March 26 at the Wynn Center. The event, hosted by The Alabama Collective, provided hands-on experience to equip students with cutting-edge technology skills, entrepreneurial insights, and AI-driven problem-solving strategies.
The Innovation Power Hour included workshops in leveraging AI to create a pitch and launch a new business, and using no-code app development apps such as Glide to create and design a new app. The event also created team building and networking opportunities for HBCU students hoping to help shape the future.
“Stillman College is committed to fostering an innovative learning environment that prepares our students for success in today’s rapidly evolving job market,” said Dr. Yolanda Paige, President of Stillman College. “By hosting the HBCU Innovation Power Hour, we are empowering students with hands-on experiences that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship—skills that are essential for workforce development and economic growth.”
This is the third year the HBCU Innovation Power Hour has come to Tuscaloosa as it expands to 2-year and 4-year HBCUs across the state.
“The Alabama Collective is proud to bring this transformative initiative to Stillman College,” said Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of The Alabama Collective. “HBCUs play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of diverse tech talent and entrepreneurs. Through Innovation Power Hours, we are creating pathways for students to engage with emerging technology, industry leaders, and real-world problem-solving—giving them the confidence and tools to lead in the future economy.”
The HBCU Innovation Power Hour is more than just an event—it’s a movement designed to inspire and prepare students to lead in the tech, business, and innovation economy. It also helps introduce HBCU students to other The Alabama Collective events such as the HBCU Business Pitch Competition, in which Stillman College students Precious Onah, Amarachi Okafor and Chinazam Okafor placed second during the fall semester, winning $3,000 for their app idea.
“The opportunity for the Alabama Collective to come to campus and talk to us students about entrepreneurship and innovation. I believe a college education is to prepare us for the outside world and our career and future. It’s really nice to get an early start here in college, and it’s nice to be able to have events like this here on our campus instead of having to travel away to a conference,” said Onah, a junior from Nigeria. “I think events like this will help bring some sensitization to competitions. It’s nice for us to learn about more opportunities so we can get plugged into these competitions, internships or future job opportunities.”
To learn more about The Alabama Collective, visit www.thealabamacollective.com.
