AI has broken the front door to early careers. We're building the new one.
PROPEL is an innovative ecosystem of programs, technology, and spaces, designed to accelerate overlooked talent, starting with HBCUs.
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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!
Starting your PROPEL Journey
Students
Get cutting-edge training to develop the skills you need to accelerate your career.
Faculty & Leadership
Learn the latest technology and trends to help you prepare your students for careers of the future.
Partners & Collaborators
Explore how you can join us as an institutional partner, corporate ally, or industry collaborator today.
Our Impact
Newsroom
Propelling Toward the Future: HBCU Students Design AI-powered Solutions
Students from 17 HBCUs competed at the PROPEL Center's "Future of Tech Innovation" national finals in Austin, TX in April 2026. The winning team hails from Morgan State University.
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PROPEL Center Launches Future of Tech Innovation Challenge to Spotlight HBCU Talent & Shape the Next Generation of AI Leaders
The inaugural challenge reached over 200,000 students across 89 HBCUs nationwide, generating 1,100 applicants and 70 finalists, and culminated in a national showcase in Austin, TX, from April 15–17, 2026. Following virtual judging, finalist students representing 17 HBCUs competed for a total of $125,000 in scholarships and prizes, demonstrating bold, future-focused solutions powered by artificial intelligence.
PROPEL Center Launches Future of Tech Innovation Challenge to Spotlight HBCU Talent & Shape the Next Generation of AI Leaders
PROPEL Center, the global HBCU technology and innovation hub committed to strengthening the future Black talent pipeline, announced the launch of the Future of Tech Innovation Challenge, a national competition designed to equip Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students with critical AI skills, real-world problem-solving experience, and direct access to leading employers.
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."
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.
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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.