Mayor Vi Lyles, City of Charlotte | Wikipedia
Mayor Vi Lyles, City of Charlotte | Wikipedia
The City of Charlotte recently hosted seven students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to develop infrastructure programs as part of a competition offering a $10,000 prize. These programs aim to address community-wide mobility and accessibility in the city.
This initiative is part of the 2025 HBCU Smart Cities Programs in partnership with Mastercard, providing HBCU students with opportunities to engage with smart city technology and tackle community challenges in North Carolina. Charlotte has participated in this program for three consecutive years through collaboration with the Pathway Community Foundation.
Rachel Stark, Smart Cities program manager for Charlotte's Innovation & Technology Department, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: "This program represents our shared vision for sustainable community building and inclusive innovation. We are eager to leverage this collaboration to drive impactful change and empower our residents to build a brighter future." She also noted that "the City of Charlotte is thrilled to continue its partnership with Pathway Community Foundation."
During their visit, the HBCU fellows explored government operations and smart city initiatives by attending workshops, equipment tours, and discussions led by staff from various city departments including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Charlotte Department of Transportation. The annual HBCU Smart Cities Challenge, organized by Pathway Community Foundation, allows students to devise solutions for real-world issues.
Ayinde Simon, president and director of partnerships for Pathway Community Foundation, stated: "We are excited to welcome Charlotte back as a participant in the 2025 HBCU Smart Cities Program. This collaboration with the City of Charlotte underscores our shared commitment to innovation and community empowerment. Together, we will inspire creativity and build a brighter future for all."
The final pitch competition will take place in April at Winston-Salem State University.
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