About The Yard @ AfroTech 2025
Purpose
The Yard @ AfroTech is a Howard University–led initiative created to strengthen the presence, visibility, and impact of HBCUs on technology’s most influential stages. Rooted in Howard’s mission and values, it celebrates HBCU excellence, showcases leadership in research, technology, and entrepreneurship, and builds pathways that connect talent to opportunity.
At its core, The Yard brings together the people, partners, and resources driving HBCU innovation — from strategic leadership and institutional support to corporate collaboration and on-the-ground engagement. Through this collective effort, The Yard amplifies HBCU contributions, deepens connections between community and industry, and creates lasting platforms for influence and investment in the future of tech.
Get Involved
Collaboration fuels the impact of The Yard @ AfroTech. We welcome partners, alumni, and allies who share our vision to celebrate HBCU excellence and expand access to technology, research, and entrepreneurship. You can get involved by supporting student travel scholarships, co-hosting engagements, sponsoring spaces that bring The Yard to life, or contributing resources that help connect talent to opportunity.
Howard University Co-Chair Team
Assistant Vice President of Web Innovation & Strategy (2024 Planning Lead)
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Executive Sponsorship
Dr. Allison Bryant serves as executive champion for The Yard @ AfroTech, providing high-level support and advocacy as Howard expands its presence on technology’s most influential stages. Her engagement helps ensure this work has visibility and momentum across the institution, aligning it with Howard’s strategic priorities and reinforcing the university’s leadership in research, technology, and entrepreneurial innovation.
Our Journey at AfroTech
2023: Origins
With seed investment from Microsoft, Howard piloted its presence at AfroTech through panels and community activations, laying the groundwork for what would become The Yard @ AfroTech.
2024: The Yard @ AfroTech
In partnership with Blavity, Howard launched The Yard @ AfroTech, a dedicated space amplifying HBCU excellence and building community. The activation welcomed hundreds of attendees, engaged more than 30 organizations, and generated new connections and partnership opportunities. It also supported 120 students from Howard and other HBCUs in attending AfroTech.
2025: Partnership with Blavity
Building on last year’s momentum, Howard launches a new multi-year collaboration with Blavity (2025–2027). The Yard grows into a larger, more visible presence at AfroTech — deepening HBCU engagement and broadening opportunities for collaboration and innovation. As part of this expanded effort, the partnership now guarantees conference access for 100 students from Howard and other HBCUs each year.
2026 & Beyond: The Yard @
The Yard model will extend beyond AfroTech to other major stages in technology, innovation, and culture—amplifying HBCU leadership and creating new spaces for connection, collaboration, and opportunity around the world.