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2025 marks Howard’s second year leading The Yard @ AfroTech — a cultural and innovation commons that celebrates HBCU excellence, empowers students, and connects partners through a multi-year collaboration with Blavity’s premier tech conference. 

Showcasing HBCU Innovation and Building Opportunities

AfroTech 2025 marks Howard’s second year leading The Yard @ and its first as Major Partner Sponsor in a multi-year partnership with Blavity. Building on the energy of 2024, this year cements The Yard @ as a flagship presence for HBCU excellence, innovation, and belonging.  

Our mission at AfroTech is to be a cultural and innovation commons that nurtures student talent, advances professional leadership, and builds lasting partnerships to drive global impact and community transformation. 

Where to Find Us at AfroTech 2025

Âܲ·ÊÓƵ returns to AfroTech with a presence that reflects our leadership in technology, innovation, and the future of work. Across the conference, we’re creating spaces that spark conversation, build community, and highlight the essential role of HBCUs in shaping what’s next. 

The Yard @ AfroTech Sponsored by Bayer

Located in the heart of the Expo Hall, The Yard @ AfroTech, sponsored by Bayer, is the central space where Âܲ·ÊÓƵ brings the power of HBCU innovation to life. Anchoring our presence at the conference, The Yard is a place to connect with talent, exchange ideas, and explore how technology, culture, and community intersect. 

Throughout the week, The Yard will feature a series of engagements and conversations all highlighting the impact and leadership of HBCUs in the tech industry. It’s a space that reflects Howard’s role in shaping conversations about the future — and in preparing the talent and ideas that will define it.  

HBCU Social and Watch Party Sponsored by Wells Fargo 

Close out your Thursday at AfroTech with an evening that’s all about connection, culture, and community. Sponsored by Wells Fargo, the HBCU Community Watch Party on October 30 brings together alumni and partners for a laid-back celebration of HBCU pride — complete with a live viewing of the Norfolk State vs. Delaware State MEAC football game. It’s part networking mixer, part game-day hangout, and all about the shared energy that makes HBCUs so powerful. Come through to cheer, connect, and kick back with the Howard community and friends from across the HBCU network. 

Registration details coming soon.

Panel Discussion: Digital Literacy Across Generations 

Tuesday, Oct 28th, 2025 2–3pm 

As technology continues to evolve and reshape industries, digital literacy — the capacity to learn, adapt, and critically evaluate new tools — has become essential to career growth and leadership. In this cross-generational conversation, held on AfroTech’s Learning Lab stage, Howard alumni at the forefront of their fields will explore how Black talent can navigate and lead amid constant disruption. Designed for professionals, aspiring leaders, and innovators alike, the discussion examines how digital fluency builds resilience and career longevity — and how HBCU networks can transform rapid change into lasting opportunity. 

Speakers