Huston-Tillotson University to Host 3rd Annual HBCU C2 App Design Challenge at HBCU AicCon 2025
Wednesday Apr, 02 2025
Austin, Texas April 2, 2025 – Huston-Tillotson University (HTU), in collaboration with the national HBCU C2 initiative and Apple Inc., is thrilled to announce the 3rd Annual HBCU C2 App Design Challenge, a cornerstone event during its Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Conference (AiCON) 2025.
Scheduled for 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 2nd, the challenge will take place in the Innovation Lounge within the Davage-Durden Student Union on HTU’s campus. This dynamic competition, a highlight of AiCON 2025 (April 1-3), will showcase the ingenuity and coding prowess of HTU students, all while enjoying an electrifying atmosphere with music from an Austin-based DJ and a delectable array of food.
This challenge, supported by the Apple Community Education Initiative, empowers students to excel in the technology sector. Through rigorous training academies, HTU faculty guide students in developing and implementing coding projects using Apple’s Everyone Can Create and Everyone Can Code, focusing on iOS App Development with Swift. Building upon the success of previous years, students will once again create original app prototypes designed to tackle real-world challenges, competing for valuable scholarships.
“The HBCU C2 App Design Challenge is a pivotal event that not only highlights the exceptional talent of our students but also underscores our commitment to fostering diversity and innovation within the technology industry,” said Dr. Jennifer P. Miles, Vice President for Student Affairs and HBCU C2 Program Manager. “This initiative provides our students with invaluable hands-on experience and empowers them to become future leaders in STEM, significantly impacting their academic and professional success.”
The mission of the HBCU C2 App Design Challenge is to:
- INSPIRE: Students to explore STEM, coding, and computer science through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.
- IDENTIFY: And engage students from underrepresented communities, fostering a sense of belonging in the tech industry.
- INNOVATE: Through robust teaching and learning with emerging technologies and Apple’s Everyone Can Create/Everyone Can Code Initiative™.
AiCON 2025 promises to be a transformative experience, uniting students, faculty, and industry professionals to explore the forefront of artificial intelligence and technological innovation. #HBCUAiCON #HTHBCUC2 #EveryoneCanCode #EveryoneCanCreate
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About HBCU C2
HBCU C2 is a national teaching and learning initiative that empowers any HBCU to bring coding and creativity experiences and program opportunities to their home campus and community. HBCU C2 promotes innovation, educational equity, and aims to address community challenges using app design and Apple’s Swift programming language.
The HBCU C2 community is committed to creating opportunities that will diversify the tech workforce by removing barriers, innovating STEM education, and developing life-long learning pathways. C-squared HBCUs engage in this effort with key industry partners so that our contribution leads to a more skilled, diverse workforce pipeline for high-demand technical and creative careers. Learn more about the HBCU C2 at https://hbcuc2.org/.
About Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. Huston-Tillotson University is an independent, church-related, historically Black, four-year liberal arts institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown in East Austin. Huston-Tillotson University’s mission is to nurture a legacy of leadership and excellence in education, connecting knowledge, power, passion, and values. The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
