25 HBCU students were recognized for their positive influence in their communities and will be awarded $5,000 each, along with an AT&T tablet accompanied by one year of complimentary service, and access to a range of mentorship and advocacy opportunities in 2024.

AT&T Dream in Black announced the winners of the 2023 Rising Future Makers Showcase. Cultivated for those making an impact in their communities and on their campuses, the aforementioned annual program empowers the next generation of innovators, while fostering diversity and inclusion in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

AT&T recently announced the selection of the 2023 Class of Rising Future Makers — 25 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students who have a positive influence on their campuses and in their communities. Each student receives a $5000 scholarship, an AT&T tablet, and access to a variety of mentoring opportunities and other tech resources in the coming year.

Courtney is with future superstar and film maker, Alana I. Smith giving us a sneak peek of her film and being a part of the "Dream In Black" program. See how this Howard University student is making waves in the film industry as part of the HBU school system.

Alana Smith, a senior television and film major from Sacramento, California, felt instant gratitude for her journey as a filmmaker after being awarded first place at the Reel HBCU Film Festival competition hosted by the National Black Movie Association for her short film “The Son That Didn’t Shine.”

Alana was selected out of six filmmakers nationwide to participate in the NAACP Cinematic Short Film Competition at the 114th NAACP Convention in Boston, MA. Paired in teams of two, she received a micro budget and collaborated with her filmmaker partner, Clarke Phillips, and professional mentor to produce a 5-7 minute short film. Alana and Clarke explored the pressing topic of reproductive freedom to co-direct their short film, The Son That Didn't Shine.

For many, the decision of whether and where you attend college is heavily influenced by location, reputation, academics, and sometimes, the relationships in one’s life. In some instances, student applicants already have their minds made up before they’ve logged onto the admissions portal to apply. In the case of junior Alana Smith, Bison blood courses through her veins. Whether or not she was ready to accept, it was a given–Howard University was where she belonged.

The Rise, a series dedicated to showcasing how mentorship has changed the lives of HBCU students helping them to create a life filled with passion and purpose.

Student Alana I. Smith Reflects on Women’s History Month by Highlighting Notable Women Across Campus

Rest .In. Power is an original piece written by Alana I. Smith. It focuses on the injustice, ignorance, and insensitivity that is deliberately targeted on the innocent lives of our black men and women. The poem also narrates the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd.

AT&T recently announced the selection of the 2023 Class of Rising Future Makers — 25 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students who have a positive influence on their campuses and in their communities. Each student receives a $5000 scholarship, an AT&T tablet, and access to a variety of mentoring opportunities and other tech resources in the coming year.

Courtney is with future superstar and film maker, Alana I. Smith giving us a sneak peek of her film and being a part of the "Dream In Black" program. See how this Howard University student is making waves in the film industry as part of the HBU school system.

Alana Smith, a senior television and film major from Sacramento, California, felt instant gratitude for her journey as a filmmaker after being awarded first place at the Reel HBCU Film Festival competition hosted by the National Black Movie Association for her short film “The Son That Didn’t Shine.”

Alana was selected out of six filmmakers nationwide to participate in the NAACP Cinematic Short Film Competition at the 114th NAACP Convention in Boston, MA. Paired in teams of two, she received a micro budget and collaborated with her filmmaker partner, Clarke Phillips, and professional mentor to produce a 5-7 minute short film. Alana and Clarke explored the pressing topic of reproductive freedom to co-direct their short film, The Son That Didn't Shine.

For many, the decision of whether and where you attend college is heavily influenced by location, reputation, academics, and sometimes, the relationships in one’s life. In some instances, student applicants already have their minds made up before they’ve logged onto the admissions portal to apply. In the case of junior Alana Smith, Bison blood courses through her veins. Whether or not she was ready to accept, it was a given–Howard University was where she belonged.

The Rise, a series dedicated to showcasing how mentorship has changed the lives of HBCU students helping them to create a life filled with passion and purpose.

Student Alana I. Smith Reflects on Women’s History Month by Highlighting Notable Women Across Campus

Rest .In. Power is an original piece written by Alana I. Smith. It focuses on the injustice, ignorance, and insensitivity that is deliberately targeted on the innocent lives of our black men and women. The poem also narrates the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd.