PRESS RELEASE
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Drake State Community & Technical College will host the HBCU Innovation Power Hour on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 12 pm. to 2 p.m. in Building 100 on Drake State’s campus. The event will offer students an experience designed to spark creativity, foster design thinking, and explore advancements in technology and entrepreneurship—all while leveraging the power of artificial intelligence.
This engaging event will bring together students, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs for hands-on challenges, discussions, and skill-building focused on the future of innovation. With live music, food, and give- aways, students will have the opportunity to connect, learn, and build their future.
“Drake State is proud to host the HBCU Innovation Power Hour as we continue to provide opportunities that position our students for success in today’s technology-driven workforce,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State Community & Technical College. “Hands-on learning experiences like this expose students to emerging trends in AI and entrepreneurship, preparing them to become leaders and innovators in their respective fields.”
Students can expect exciting hands-on innovation challenges, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to collaborate with experts in technology, AI, and business. The Ideation Innovation Challenge will allow participants to transform their ideas into reality through workshops and expert mentorship, with the chance to pitch their concepts for prizes. Meanwhile, the Innovation Design Challenge: Design Your School of the Future will encourage students to apply design thinking principles to envision bold, groundbreaking solutions for the future of education.
“Our HBCUs are home to some of the brightest, most innovative minds, and it’s essential that we provide them with access to technology, resources, and opportunities to lead in AI, entrepreneurship, and emerging industries,” said Charisse Stokes, executive director of The Alabama Collective. “Through Innovation Power Hours, we’re not only inspiring students to think big, but we’re also preparing them for high- demand careers that will shape the future workforce and economy.”
HBCU Innovation Power Hours are more than just events—they are a movement to equip the next generation of innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs with the skills and mindset to shape the future.
For more details and updates, visit www.thealabamacollective.com.