Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s DevCon converges on Houston in July

June 26, 2026

Top-tier early talent students from the nation’s public historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs) will descend on Houston July 8-11 for DevCon, a regional professional development conference hosted by TMCF. 

Designed for first- and second-year students representing public and private HBCUs and PBIs, the upcoming three-and-a-half-day conference offers a deep dive into professional and leadership training. Through collaborative workshops, attendees will connect with industry leaders to learn what it takes to launch a successful career.

“It’s essential to connect students with our corporate network as early as possible to ensure TMCF is actively developing a diverse and talented workforce,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said. “Our corporate partners are vital to this event’s success, and they truly look forward to building relationships with our emerging talent.”

In 2025, DevCon began hosting conferences under a new format, allowing focused attention on attendees from specific regions. In February, the conference took place in Baltimore and last year was held in Atlanta and near Washington, D.C. 

“Houston is an incredible location for DevCon,” Dr. Williams said. “We look forward to convening with our extraordinary students in such a historically rich city.”  

Approximately 400 students from 32 HBCUs and PBIs are expected to attend. The average attendee GPA is 3.52, representing academic disciplines such as agriculture, communications and engineering, among many others. 

Related News

Finding her place in the room: How DevCon changed one student’s perspective

For Southern University and A&M College student Daetorrea Whitlow, attending DevCon, a Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) program, was more than an opportunity to travel. It was a chance to enter rooms she never imagined being in and discover new possibilities for her future. A business marketing major who expects to graduate in 2029, Whitlow […]

Booked, busy and funded: How Taliya Creamer is empowering HBCU students

Florida A&M University senior Taliya Creamer has turned the opportunities she gained through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) into a platform dedicated to helping other historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) students access scholarships, professional development and career opportunities. A first-generation student majoring in business administration, Creamer credits TMCF with helping her discover her […]

Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Truist partner for campus-to-career immersion

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and Truist have partnered to expand access, opportunity and career pathways for students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).  The partnership leverages scholarship funding, leadership development and experiential learning to support student success and strengthen the pipeline of diverse talent entering the financial services industry.  Formally known as […]