Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s DevCon returns in February 

January 29, 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 Baltimore Feb. 18-21 for DevCon, a regional professional development conference hosted by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). 

First-year and sophomore students from public and private HBCUs and PBIs will engage with captivating professional and leadership training during the three-and-a-half day conference. Attendees will attend hands-on workshops and gain insights on gaining traction in the workforce from industry partners.  

“We feel it’s imperative to immerse students in our corporate network as early as possible to ensure the Thurgood Marshall College Fund helps develop a diverse and talented workforce,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said. “Our corporate partners are vital to the success of this event and they enjoy cultivating relationships with our early talent students.” 

In 2025, DevCon took place in Atlanta and near Washington, D.C. under a new format, allowing focused attention on attendees from specific regions. 

“Our team at TMCF is continuously looking at ways to enhance the way we develop leaders,” Dr. Williams said. “I look forward to interacting with our remarkable students in Baltimore soon.”  

Approximately 400 students from 18 TMCF member schools, as well as Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College and Shaw University, are expected to attend. The average attendee GPA is 3.61, while 37% are first-generation college students.  

Another regional DevCon will take place in Houston from July 8-11.

Related News

Thurgood Marshall College Fund celebrates the lasting impact of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) joins the nation in mourning the loss of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, an iconic civil rights leader and unwavering advocate for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Rev. Jackson knew the power of an HBCU education firsthand, graduating from TMCF member school North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State […]

All doors open for Brayden Smith through TMCF

Before arriving on campus, Brayden Smith never imagined college as part of his future. Now a junior majoring in business administration at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Smith credits the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) with helping him discover his potential and build a path rooted in opportunity and connection. Growing up, Smith said higher […]

Ellis Bryant finds confidence through community

Ellis Bryant began his college journey at Tuskegee University questioning whether he belonged in competitive academic and professional spaces. Now a junior majoring in finance and economics, he credits the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) with helping him overcome impostor syndrome and recognize his own capabilities. Early in his college career, Bryant said self-doubt often […]