Voorhees University proudly made its debut at the 2024 BE SMART Hackathon, a prestigious event sponsored by American Airlines and hosted by Black Enterprise. The competition challenged teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to develop cutting-edge AI-driven solutions addressing real-world challenges.
The Voorhees team presented PAM (Parental Assistant Management), an innovative app designed to empower single parents by providing personalized support in managing finances, planning nutritious meals, and streamlining shopping. PAM is scalable, user-friendly, and aligns with American Airlines’ commitment to leveraging technology to enhance quality of life and create meaningful community impact.
To prepare for the competition, Voorhees students underwent intensive training and received guidance from Howard R. Jean, CEO of Black Meta Agency. Jean, an HBCU alumnus and advocate, pushed the team to think strategically and adopt the mindset of successful government contractors and CEOs. His mentorship, along with that of Kwasi A. Roberts of KAR Consulting Group, was instrumental in refining the students’ technical and problem-solving skills.
Jean reflected on his role, saying: “It’s critical in today’s globally competitive marketplace that HBCU students find ways to become proficient and expansive in how they augment their educational experience. I was impressed with how receptive they were to feedback, took initiative to meet around the clock, and overcame adversity—traits that will make them successful in any field. Many thanks to Kwasi A. Roberts for joining as an advisor and SME, giving students priceless insights on success in the tech industry. It was a privilege to mentor these future HBCU business leaders and technologists.”
The hackathon provided a unique platform for students to showcase their talents, collaborate with industry professionals, and expand their networks. Carolyn Gass, Director of Development at Voorhees University, praised the initiative, stating: “This competition built the confidence of our students and allowed them to showcase their innovation and problem-solving skills against other HBCUs. It also provided a platform to network with major corporations and brought valuable visibility to Voorhees University as we continue to advance to the next level of excellence.”
The event was a 24-hour challenge during which students worked tirelessly to develop PAM, demonstrating technical proficiency, creativity, and teamwork. The team received essential support from The Retail Girl, a small local business, which supplied snacks to fuel their efforts during the intensive session.
Participating Students:
- Bernyla Sparks
- Nashon Gary
- Natayo Munroe
- Mckale Murray
- Ashley Chambers
Chaperones:
- Carolyn Gass
- Dr. Cheryl Swanier
This milestone achievement highlights Voorhees University’s commitment to fostering innovation, technological expertise, and leadership among its students. As Voorhees continues to build its presence in tech-driven initiatives, its students stand ready to lead the way in solving global challenges with impactful solutions.
