DevCon - Zone ; Freshman and Sophomore

Overview

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is pleased to announce our annual Dev Con Career Readiness and Professional Development Conference. Dev Con strategically expands TMCF's ability to identify, cultivate, and advance high-potential HBCU talent. Anchored in an Early Talent (freshman and sophomore) model, Dev Con operates as a leadership incubator designed to equip students with foundational business acumen and professional competencies through leadership development, career readiness workshops, and targeted technology upskilling—while simultaneously delivering a high-quality, employer-ready talent pipeline for corporate partners committed to strengthening their early talent strategy.

Dev Con's regional approach provides TMCF an opportunity to deepen institutional partnerships through cooperative regional marketing efforts aimed at growing enrollments and student outcomes.

Location:

Houston, TX, July 8 - 12, 2026

Final date to receive applications:
April 3, 2026 by 11:59 PM

Note:

No Essay or Transcripts Are Required to Submit Your Application.

• Scale TMCF talent identification services while maximizing talent programming
• Create a pathway for students to participate in leadership and career development opportunities
• Advance talent pipelines by designing programming that removes exclusionary eligibility requirements

• Participate in the Dev Con professional development conference in Houston, TX, July 8-12, 2026 (Travel, lodging, and onsite meals covered by TMCF)
• Curated professional development such as interactive workshops, panel discussions, mock interviews, resume writing tips, and networking with c‑suite executives.
• Access to online training and professional development portal
• Opportunity to receive TMCF Leadership Development Certification
• Develop as a leader for corporate success
• Eligible for TMCF scholarship opportunities and other TMCF programs

Must be enrolled in one of the following HBCUs as a Freshman or Sophomore for the  academic year (2028 or 2029 graduates) at the time of the conference:

• Alabama A&M University
• Alabama State University
• Albany State University
• Alcorn State University
• Central State University
• Chicago State University
• Clark Atlanta University
• Dillard UniversityÂ
• Fisk University
• Florida A&M University
• Fort Valley State University
• Grambling State University
• Harris
  - Stowe State UniversityÂ
• Jackson State University
• Kentucky State University
• Langston University
• Mississippi Valley State University
• Morehouse College
• Paul Quin College
• Prairie View A&M University
• Savannah State University
• South Carolina State University
• Southern University A&M CollegeÂ
• Southern University A&M College - New Orelans
• Spelman College
• Talladega CollegeÂ
• Tennessee State University
• Texas CollegeÂ
• Texas Southern University
• Tuskegee University
• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
• Wiley CollegeÂ
• Xavier University of LouisianaÂ

• Participants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the conference.
• Maintain good academic standing.
• No disciplinary infractions on academic record.
• Must display leadership potential.