The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has partnered with Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the world of digital innovation.
This year the organization is holding its annual conference at FAMU, which is set to host the second annual HBCU Digital Partnership Summit Sept. 19–21.
This transformative event is designed to create networking opportunities among HBCUs, minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and the Air Force Science and Technology communities.
AFIT welcomes all HBCU faculty and students, researchers, minority businesses, digital transformation professionals and other academic enclaves to explore the unlimited potential of the digital realm, according to a flyer for the summit.
By teaming up with HBCUs, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) hopes to open doors for communities that are oftentimes under-represented and overlooked.
“We are looking for opportunities to partner together on research and also make sure that students at HBCUs are aware of the career opportunities and activities that we have going on within the Air Force, including AFIT, the Air Force Research Lab and the Space Force,” said Walter Jones, director and chancellor of AFIT.
The summit promises to be more than just your average conference. Over the course of three days, attendees will engage in various thought-provoking presentations, workshops and interactive discussions offered both virtually and in-person. A broad spectrum of topics will be covered, including but not limited to Model-Based Systems Engineering & Design, Creativity & Critical Thinking, Entrepreneurship & Business Ownership, and Innovation & the Digital Space. The event will also spotlight a number of impressive speakers, including FAMU’s very own Larry Robinson, FAMU Provost Allyson Watson and Lewis Johnson.
The grand finale of the summit will feature the 4th Annual HBCU and Minority Serving Institutions Outreach Initiative Collider on Sept. 21. This year’s theme is “Highlighting Breakthroughs and Preparing the Next Generation of Digital Professionals.”
Participants will find an abundance of opportunities at the collider, regardless of their academic background. “Collider, to us, means really bringing all of the industry together — so academia, our DAF personnel, our industry partners, small businesses—bringing everyone together to share information,” said Anissa Lumkin, senior aeromedical-deputy mission area lead, Air Force Research Laboratory/Customer Engagement Directorate and founder of the Air Force HBCU/MSI Outreach Initiative.
“The general of the Air Force Personnel Office will be there, specifically discussing the opportunities for employment, internships, fellowships and scholarships that are available from the DAF, especially in the civilian sector,” Lumpkin added.
Through these initiatives, the DAF aims to strengthen their collaborative relationships with HBCUs and, in turn, form a pipeline between DAF and HBCU/MSI communities. The summit and collider are open and free to attend, offering the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, future colleagues and industry leaders. Registration is available online at HBCUDLS23.com