Montgomery, AL—Sept. 19, 2024: The 2024 innovateDAFITC Hackathon, held in conjunction with the Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower (DAFITC) Education and Training event, took place from August 25-28, 2024, in Montgomery, Alabama. DAFITC, an event attended by nearly 5,000 Air Force and private sector leaders, provided a platform for connecting with industry peers while learning about the future of the IT and cyber fields.
A major highlight of the event was the innovateDAFITC Hackathon, which showcased Montgomery’s commitment to fostering tech and innovation among the next generation.
100 students from local river region schools, military professionals, and industry leaders collaborated to solve real-world challenges using artificial intelligence (AI). Hosted by TechMGM, AFCEA, and SAF/CIO A6, the Hackathon gave students invaluable hands-on experience addressing challenges in aviation, finance, and energy. Throughout the competition, students received guidance from SCRUM masters and AI experts, helping them develop AI-driven solutions to complex problems.
The Hackathon concluded with an exciting 90-second pitch competition, where teams presented their AI-based solutions to a panel of esteemed judges. The top three winners, representing schools from the Montgomery Public School System, are as follows:
- 1st Place: Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School (Brewtech)
- 2nd Place: Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (LAMP)
- 3rd Place: Park Crossing High School
These talented teams from Montgomery Public Schools displayed exceptional technical proficiency and the ability to apply AI in real-world decision-making, highlighting their potential to lead future STEM careers.
Special thanks are extended to the facilitators and judges who played a key role in the event’s success: Brad Armogost (CB&S Bank), Jaye Haggler (Koniag Government Services), Amanda Bullock (USAF), and Tiffany Davis (Alabama Power Co.). Their mentorship was crucial in helping students understand how technology can be applied in various industries. Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of Montgomery Chamber’s TechMGM, commented on the event’s impact: “The Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Conference offers youth in Montgomery a truly unique opportunity by directly connecting them with military professionals, tech experts, and industry leaders. This exposure provides hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and insight into real-world applications of STEM, which is rare in traditional educational settings.”
In addition to the Hackathon, the 2024 AFCEA High School Education Day took place as part of DAFITC. Nearly 400 students from Autauga, Elmore, Montgomery, and Macon counties were given the opportunity to engage directly with military professionals and tech leaders. They participated in interactive sessions that provided valuable insight into potential STEM careers. Hosted by the Montgomery AFCEA Chapter Education Foundation, the event focused on making STEM education more accessible and engaging for high school students. With mentorship and live demonstrations, students gained an understanding of how emerging technologies such as AI and cybersecurity are transforming industries and opening doors to future career paths. The 2024 AFCEA High School Education Day plays a critical role in preparing the region’s youth for future opportunities in STEM, further establishing Montgomery as a growing tech hub and fostering a brighter future for the local community. Both events place a huge focus on innovation and mentorship and continue to be pivotal in shaping Montgomery’s tech leaders of tomorrow while reinforcing the region’s diverse technology talent pipeline and commitment to STEM education and innovation.
About TechMGM: An initiative of the Montgomery Chamber, TechMGM coordinates the efforts of many diverse partners around developing the tech and innovation ecosystem in Montgomery. TECHMGM is working to connect resources to cultivate the local talent base, utilize Montgomery’s existing assets to attract large and small businesses to Montgomery, and maximize existing infrastructure to fuel development, including facilitating Air Force innovation, pushing for greater engagement, and driving investment.
About The Montgomery Chamber: With a mission to drive economic prosperity and build a greater life for all in the capital region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber is a full-spectrum economic development public/private partnership representing 1,400 businesses and organizations with more than 90,000 employees throughout Central Alabama.
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