Hundreds of students from over 30 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) gathered at American Airlines' Charlotte hub in November to participate in the ninth annual BE Smart Hackathon. This year’s event, themed “All Code No Switch: Authentically Intelligent,” showcased the talents of HBCU students in solving real-world problems through technology.
“American Airlines is proud to support the BE Smart Hackathon for the sixth consecutive year and HBCU students’ skill development through real-life problem-solving experiences,” said Chief Technology Officer Anchal Gupta. “We’ve seen tremendous success among students who participate in the annual event, including joining American’s IT organization among other renowned corporations. Each year, we look forward to connecting students to industry professionals and providing mentorship that will inspire them to reach their career aspirations, whatever they may be.”
Uplifting Underrepresented Communities Through IT
The hackathon, sponsored in partnership with Black Enterprise, provides students from underrepresented communities with exposure to technology careers across industries, including aviation. Over the past six years, the event has led to more than 50 students being hired by American Airlines, many through its Development Program for Technology (ADEPT).
One recent success story is Tasia Bolling, who accepted a position as an IT applications developer at American Airlines earlier this month. Tasia, a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, pivoted from a biology major to software development after discovering her passion for technology during her undergraduate studies.
“The Hackathon not only provided me with the opportunity to build and refine my skills, but it also connected me to inspiring professionals and American,” Tasia shared. “Attending an HBCU was always my dream, but no one ever told me about pursuing a career as a software developer until I explored it myself.”
Building a Pipeline for Future IT Leaders
American’s ADEPT program, a two-year development and rotation initiative for college graduates, helps recruits enhance their technical and leadership skills. Participants gain hands-on experience with a wide range of technologies, including customer-facing solutions used at airports and on the airline’s website. The program boasts a retention rate of nearly 80%.
“Some of our best team members didn’t even know IT was a career path for them to begin with,” Gupta noted. “Investments in the BE Smart Hackathon and the ADEPT program are ways we continue to build inroads for students to rewarding careers. And, what makes the programs even more special is the dedication from our team members who invest their time to care for students and showcase our culture.”
For Tasia, the sense of community fostered through these programs has been integral to her journey.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunities and the community that surrounds me,” she said. “Going back to this year’s Hackathon is surreal. I remember being in the students’ shoes and worrying about what’s next. But what I’ve learned is to never give up, put in the work, and the rest will work itself out.”
The BE Smart Hackathon continues to empower HBCU students, helping bridge the gap between academia and careers in technology while inspiring the next generation of leaders in IT.
