AABE’s 4th Annual HBCU Energy Hackathon: Opening Minds and Doors for Students
Students from five historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) recently gathered for the fourth annual HBCU Energy Hackathon, an event presented by the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE). Participants hailed from Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee University, Talladega College, Lawson State Community College, and Trenholm State Community College, all vying for a total of $17,500 in prizes.
Mission-Driven Collaboration
The Birmingham Chapter of AABE partnered with the Alabama Power Foundation to host this enriching event on November 20 at Alabama Power’s headquarters in downtown Birmingham. The objective was clear: to introduce students to human-centered design thinking while promoting innovation in addressing complex energy-related challenges.
The Challenge: Non-Energy Benefits of Home Efficiency
This year’s hackathon challenge, titled “Quantify the Impact: A Digital Tool for Non-Energy Benefits of Home Efficiency,” pushed students to create a digital platform—either web-based or mobile—capable of estimating and visualizing benefits beyond mere energy savings. This included critical aspects like health improvements, economic advantages, and enhanced social outcomes stemming from energy efficiency upgrades. Judging criteria focused on creativity, innovation, potential impact, and the effectiveness of the presentation.
Celebrating the Winners
Winners were recognized across multiple divisions, showcasing excellence in various categories. Alabama A&M University was awarded as the best four-year institution, while Lawson State Community College took top honors as the best two-year institution. Talladega College was also acknowledged for its significant community impact.
Winners of the fourth annual HBCU AABE Hackathon by division were: Best four-year institution, Alabama A&M; Best two-year institution, Lawson State Community College; and Community impact, Talladega College.
A Commitment to HBCUs
The HBCU Energy Hackathon forms an important part of Alabama Power’s ongoing efforts to support Alabama’s HBCUs. The Alabama Power Foundation has already awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to HBCU institutions and students this year alone.
Staci Brooks, Vice President of Charitable Giving at Alabama Power, emphasized the foundation’s commitment: “We’re dedicated to creating opportunities where students can showcase their talents while connecting with mentors who are invested in their growth. This hackathon serves as a springboard for future leaders, and it’s inspiring to see students seize every opportunity to learn and lead.”
Mentorship and Guidance
Volunteer mentors from Alabama Power and affiliated companies, including Southern Nuclear and Southern Company Services, were on hand to coach participants. Notable volunteers included Derrick Cherry, Ronda Cherry, and Deidre Garrett, among others, who provided invaluable guidance as pitch coaches throughout the intensive event.
Judging Panel: Experts in Innovation
An esteemed panel of judges evaluated the projects, consisting of experts from varied fields. Judge profiles included Dr. Brittany Holloman, Executive Director of HBCU CARES; Chris Blake, Assistant Treasurer at Alabama Power; and Dr. Patrick Murphy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, highlighting the breadth of expertise contributing to the evaluation process.
Student Teams and Initiatives
This year’s hackathon saw diverse teams from each participating institution.
- Tuskegee University: Team Tuskegee Golden Roar included Christopher Anderson, Madison Harper, Izhar Jean, Diara Lawrence, and Azya Wilson.
- Lawson State Community College: Team Cougar W.A.T.T.S. featured Taylor Grace, Akira Hubbard, McKinley, Dale Miller, and AJay Thedford.
- Talladega College: Team Dega Tornadoes consisted of Abigail Osunde, Oluwatosin Oseni, Mark Willis, Natassia Mohammed, and Rokibat Adepoju.
- Trenholm State Community College: Team Terrific Titans had Jacqueline Pou, Roosevelt Robinson Jr., Kennedi Kemp, Henry Chun, and Jaylen Hardy.
- Alabama A&M University: Team Enerlytix included John Adeyemo, Uchenna Justin, Tapiwa Musinga, Amarachi Ezekiel, and Ayoola Akinlawon.
Networking and Career Exposure
The hackathon wasn’t just about competition; it was also a platform for networking and career exploration. The evening prior, students engaged in a fireside chat featuring judge Monica McShan, moderated by Tondra Fields, providing insights into careers in the energy sector.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The AABE Birmingham Chapter, established in 1989, aims to enhance energy policies and promote awareness around energy-related issues while advocating for African American students to pursue careers in energy fields. As an illustration of the hackathon’s impact, participant LaTroy Wagner, a past competitor, is now employed in Transmission Planning at Alabama Power.
Terrance Moultrie, AABE Birmingham Chapter president, reflected the event’s ethos: “As we celebrate our fourth annual HBCU Hackathon, we’re reminded of the power of partnership and mentorship. This event provides students a platform to showcase their skills, build relationships, and envision their future in the energy sector.”
To learn more about the American Association of Blacks in Energy, visit AABE.org. For more information about the Alabama Power Foundation and its initiatives, go to powerofgood.com.