MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A group of Alabama State University students is heading to Houston for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They’re attending AfroTech 2025, one of the largest conferences in the country celebrating Black excellence in technology and innovation.
Four Alabama State students are leaving at midnight for Houston, but the excitement is already building. They tell WSFA AfroTech 2025 isn’t just a conference; it’s an opportunity to change their lives.
“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 lucky students attending the conference.
It all started when senior Makaylah Harris learned about AfroTech. A national gathering where some of the biggest names in technology, like Amazon, Apple, and Google, recruit and mentor the next generation of innovators.
Harris says when she realized how costly the trip could be, she launched a GoFundMe and started reaching out for help. “And we actually got a lot of no’s,” Harris explained.
However, that did not stop her.
Through her persistence and advocacy, Makaylah secured Premier Passes worth $3,500 directly from AfroTech organizers, giving her and three other students full access to workshops, networking events, and career sessions.
“So, there’s even like panels, where you can go get certifications within the week you are there. So, it’s just a space where people in tech go to really get exposure and really just, you know, experience the life of tech,” said Emmanuel Hayes, another student who is attending.
They say this trip is about more than travel. It’s about access, representation, and proving what’s possible.
“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,” said Harris.
While their conference passes are covered, the group is still trying to raise $4,000 to cover housing, meals, and transportation to Houston. You can help by donating to her GoFundMe, here.
The students tell WSFA they plan to bring what they learned at AfroTech back to the community and hopefully create a pipeline for other students to attend in the future.
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