American Airlines welcomed hundreds of students from over 30 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the ninth annual BE Smart Hackathon. Held in November, the event, themed “All Code No Switch: Authentically Intelligent,” marked the first time the hackathon took place in Charlotte, the airline’s second-largest hub and a key center for HBCUs.
“American Airlines is proud to support the BE Smart Hackathon for the sixth consecutive year, helping HBCU students develop real-world problem-solving skills,” said Chief Technology Officer Anchal Gupta. “Many participants have gone on to join our IT organization or other leading companies. This event provides invaluable mentorship and connections that empower students to pursue their career goals.”
Building Access to IT Careers
In collaboration with Black Enterprise, the fully-sponsored hackathon aims to expose underrepresented students to technology opportunities across industries, including aviation. Over the past six years, the event has led to more than 50 participants securing roles at American Airlines, many through its Development Program for Technology (ADEPT). ADEPT is a two-year rotation program designed to nurture leadership and technical skills in college graduates joining the airline’s IT team.
One success story is Tasia Bolling, who recently began her role as an IT applications developer at American. Tasia credits the BE Smart Hackathon for opening doors she hadn’t considered.
“Growing up, I never thought about becoming a software developer,” said Tasia, who initially pursued a biology degree at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte. “But after a conversation with my mother, I shifted to software development. My first programming class made me fall in love with coding.”
Tasia’s involvement in her university’s Smith Tech Innovation Center helped her build essential skills and connect with mentors, ultimately leading her to the 2020 BE Smart Hackathon.
“The hackathon not only helped me refine my skills but also connected me to inspiring professionals at American Airlines,” Tasia shared. This connection led to interviews with the airline’s IT recruiting team and her eventual acceptance into the 2022 ADEPT cohort.
Supporting Students and Driving Retention
Through ADEPT, Tasia and other recruits gain hands-on experience in technology projects ranging from airport systems to online platforms. The program boasts an impressive 80% retention rate, highlighting its impact on fostering long-term careers at American.
“Honestly, I felt imposter syndrome coming from a smaller school,” Tasia admitted. “But the program gave me the confidence to embrace new challenges, connect with peers, and thrive in a professional environment.”
Anchal Gupta emphasized the importance of such initiatives, saying, “Some of our best team members didn’t initially see IT as a career path. Programs like the BE Smart Hackathon and ADEPT create meaningful opportunities and showcase our company culture. Our team’s dedication to mentoring these students is what makes it all possible.”
With each hackathon, American Airlines continues to bridge the gap for underrepresented communities in tech, empowering students to become the industry’s future leaders.