College Students to Gain Direct Access to Industry Leaders, Certification Opportunities, and Career Pathways at Technology Conference

MOBILE, AL – 03.23.26 – While ASCEND 2026 addresses critical infrastructure and strategic technology needs for Alabama HBCU administrators, the conference organizers have made student engagement and workforce development central to the event’s mission, ensuring the next generation of technology professionals benefits directly from this unique gathering.

Taking place March 25-26, 2026, at Bishop State Community College, the conference deliberately includes students in its target audience alongside IT Directors, CIOs, and Title III Administrators, and local business leaders creating networking and learning opportunities typically unavailable to technology students.

“We’re not just talking about building future-ready campuses—we’re actively building future-ready students,” stated Darnell Joseph, a conference representative. “ASCEND 2026 gives HBCU students unprecedented access to technology companies, career mentors, and certification pathways that can transform their professional trajectories.”

The conference features a dedicated Workforce Development Track. Students will participate in breakout sessions covering emerging technologies like AI integration, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity—gaining insights into the fastest-growing technology career fields.

“For many of our students, ASCEND 2026 represents their first exposure to enterprise-level technology solutions and the careers available in this space,” said Joseph. “These experiences are invaluable for students especially from underrepresented communities who may not have traditional access to tech industry networks.”

Beyond immediate career exposure, student participation in ASCEND 2026 supports the broader institutional mission of Title III programs, which focus on strengthening academic programs and expanding opportunities for students at institutions serving significant percentages of minority and low-income students.

The March 25th strategy labs will include student perspectives in discussions about building campus tech roadmaps and sustainable technology initiatives, ensuring the student voice influences decisions about the technology environments where they learn.

Campuses are encouraged to bring technology-focused students from computer science, information technology, and related programs. Faculty members working with Title III initiatives are especially encouraged to identify students who would benefit from the networking and learning opportunities.

For students aspiring to technology careers, ASCEND 2026 offers more than conference sessions—it provides mentorship, inspiration, and tangible pathways to success in an industry actively seeking diverse talent.

Registration details for students and faculty are available at https://josephone-technologies.webflow.io/ .