Partnerships in Practice HBCU Initiative Webinar Series | Partnering with HBCUs: Building the Future of Tech and Robotics with Amazon
Partnerships in Practice: The HBCU Initiative Webinar Series highlights the power of collaboration between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and partners across industry, academia, government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector. Through real-world examples, the series showcases how cross-sector partnerships drive innovation, expand research capacity, and create lasting impact.
Launched in anticipation of HBCU Engage 2026, this series aims to spark new ideas, foster meaningful dialogue, and strengthen collaboration between HBCUs and partners across sectors, advancing impactful research and shared innovation goals.
UIDP hosted part four of the webinar series on February 4. This session showcased how Amazon is working with HBCUs to expand access to emerging technologies, hands-on learning, and career pathways in tech and robotics.
Participants heard directly from Amazon about how these collaborations are structured, what makes them successful, and how institutions and companies can replicate meaningful, scalable partnerships. Attendees learned how university–industry collaborations with HBCUs can strengthen workforce development, advance innovation, and prepare students for careers in high-growth technology fields.
Agenda Highlights:
- How Amazon Fulfillment Technologies and Robotics partners with HBCUs to support education, research, and workforce development in tech and robotics.
- What it takes to build and sustain impactful HBCU–industry collaborations.
- Key lessons, outcomes, and strategies that can be adapted across institutions and industries
Originally aired,
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Speakers
Jessie Guinn, Amazon Fulfilment Technologies and Robotics
Sandra Richardson (Moderator), Howard University