THEYARD helps companies drive an ecosystem of tech, talent and culture with four distinct program offerings that include debates, pitch competitions, immersive studio experiences, and a HBCU Talent Report.
All events inspire students to 'think big' and create new investment opportunities for THEYARD partners.
THEYARD curates pitch competitions where HBCU students are invited to submit their 'big ideas' on ways to address industry challenges. Students, if selected, can win scholarships and or internships to pursue their ideas.
Pitch competitions are modeled after EDPA's iMerge and Launchpad innovation events that bring together entrepreneurs, community and business leaders to engage on business challenges and opportunities.
Benefits are shared by all. Participating students gain invaluable entrepreneurial experience and networking opportunities with future employers. Partners are able to invest in student talent for current and future job needs, and contribute to greater economic growth.
THEYARD facilitates student debates on HBCU campuses where students are invited to engage in discussions, arguments and affirmations on innovation, infrastructure and inclusion.
The first debate was at Texas Southern University where students were invited to debate from a HBCU perspective on human talent and resources needed for future careers.
The participating student team went on to win the HBCU National Speech and Debate Championship, and gained the added benefit of THEYARD's network of industry lleaders who will serve as champions for their success.
Read 'Texas Southern University wins HBCU National Championship'
THEYARD HBCU Talent Report delivers actionable insights that help today's business leaders achieve new innovation, infrastructure and inclusion benchmarks for their future workforce.
THEYARD will leverage HBCU student pitch competitions and debates to gather real-world insights on student perspectives for future career needs and challenges.
Insights will be delivered to partners to help strategize on ways to best attract, retain and engage talent for more sustainable career pipelines.
THEYARD immersive studio experiences help transform HBCU campuses into technology labs where students have opportunities to engage with advanced technology and best-in-class content.
These studio spaces will complement traditional methods of learning with immersive technology experiences that are personalized for students, and will serve as valuable resources for gaining insights on student behaviors and patterns.
