UNCF’s STEM Summit in Silicon Valley Propels Students into the AI Era

by Marlena Chertock |

2026 UNCF STEM Innovation Summit in Silicon Valley

Last month, we held a two-day UNCF STEM Innovation Summit in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, CA—a launchpad into the future of technology for 50 students from 22 HBCUs. Through this fully funded opportunity, HBCU and Bay Area students earned an AI certification, gained hands-on experience with AI and machine learning, strengthened their resumes, had headshot photos taken and networked with leaders in tech.

At the Summit, titled “Building the Next Gen of AI Innovators, from HBCUs to the Bay”, students gained hands-on experience with AI, biotech, fintech, gaming, cybersecurity and tech entrepreneurship. It also offered financial literacy workshops, helping students alleviate college debt and focus on wealth-building, as well as career development sessions such as resume critiques, interview coaching and access to employers at a career fair. 

“It wouldn’t have happened without the genius, curiosity and community spirit of our staff, speakers and sponsors,” said Devon Corbin, director, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, UNCF. “Thank you to every speaker who showed up with heart and lived experience, who challenged our students to think bigger and who helped translate bold ideas into actionable pathways for HBCUs.” 

In just 48 hours, the Summit moved from inspiration to real outcomes. Now, the work has shifted to operationalizing and scaling across the HBCU ecosystem.

“Throughout the Summit, our students and speakers saw the opportunity to work together to solve the problems on and around our campuses,” Corbin shared. “For example, our innovation challenge used a minimum of four forms of AI to challenge students to address bottlenecks within higher ed.”

A diverse background of keynote speakers, panelists and workshop facilitators were featured at the Summit.

“When we talk about STEM access and equity for Black students, we’re talking about changing the trajectory of entire communities,” Smith said. “Whether we are talking about the impact of AI on our culture or how to build towards collective economic impacts … every door we opened, every barrier we named, every student had a chance to see themselves reflected in the challenges of work. That’s why we show up. I am grateful to Devon Corbin and UNCF for creating a space for all of us to have these conversations.”

Students attended from the following HBCUs:

Planning is underway for next year’s Summit.

Interested in partnering with UNCF on STEM education and innovation? Contact Devon Corbin at devon.corbin@uncf.org.