Propel Center | HBCU Campus for Innovation

Registration is now open for the 2026 Future of Tech Innovation Challenge. Open to all HBCU students and schools.

Win part of $125,000 in scholarships and compete in the national showcase in Austin, TX.

In collaboration with Apple and Southern Company.

Solve Real Problems.
Get Noticed.

Compete in the Future of Tech Innovation Challenge and work on real-world challenges using AI—no coding required.

Win part of $125,000 in scholarships and collaborate with HBCU students nationwide.

PROPEL U -Unlocking Limitless Opportunities

Certifications and Badges in AI and Professional Development.

PROPEL with us

Scroll

In partnership with

The PROPEL Center is revolutionizing Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Through both a physical space and a digital platform, we have created opportunities for HBCU students to be trained, immersed, and proficient in the most in-demand skillsets that global employers are looking for.

Ignite Future Opportunities

The PROPEL Center is a first-of-its-kind technology and innovation hub that partners with 2-year and 4-year Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to create unprecedented access to future-focused opportunities that break barriers to support student career trajectories.

Through the PROPEL Center’s work, HBCU students and faculty have unprecedented access to educational and experiential learning opportunities to increase access to careers, insights on leading treads and improved outcomes in the classroom and across the global workforce.

Whether on HBCU campuses nationwide, accessed online for virtual training or through our uniquely tailored PROPEL Learn app, the PROPEL Center is inspiring the leaders of tomorrow, today!

Opening New Frontiers

We ensure every student has access to the tools and resources needed for success.

Harnessing Untapped Potential

We create opportunities that go beyond conventional boundaries.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

We prepare students to become leaders in technology and innovation, shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Starting your PROPEL Journey

Students

Get cutting-edge training to develop the skills you need to accelerate your career.

Learn More

Faculty & Leadership

Learn the latest technology and trends to help you prepare your students for careers of the future.

Learn More

Partners & Collaborators

Explore how you can join us as an institutional partner, corporate ally, or industry collaborator today.

Learn More

Our Impact

80%

of HBCUs engaged through PROPEL Center

$5M+

provided in grants, scholarships and learning support

7K+

micro credentials and badges earned

20+

unique course offerings for students and faculty

Newsroom

PROPEL Center Innovates with "Future Proof Entrepreneurship" Course Featuring Tawan Davis

The PROPEL Center continues to break new ground with its innovative micro-credential course offerings. This fall, the PROPEL Center is excited to introduce its latest course, "Future Proof Entrepreneurship."

Read

HBCU Students Shine with Apple in PROPEL Center's Arts & Entertainment Industry Accelerator

HBCU students are gaining real-world experience and pushing boundaries through the PROPEL Center's innovative Arts & Entertainment Industry Accelerator. This program, backed by Apple's Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, equips students with the skills and mentorship they need to embrace their authentic selves and become future leaders in the creative world.

Read

Driving Educational Innovation Through Global Partnerships

With the need for more collaboration among institutions worldwide, partnerships like PROPEL's recent initiative with Kenya illustrate the transformative potential of global education.

Read