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

The Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center and Gallup to unveil landmark HBCU alumni study during signature Martha’s Vineyard event

The Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center (Payne Center) — the research arm of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) — will partner with Gallup to host “Proof of Promise: The Lasting Value and Impact of an HBCU Education,” an invitation-only event unveiling the nation’s largest study of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) alumni. […]

Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s DevCon Houston scholars are bringing the heat

The second regional DevCon event hosted by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is underway in Houston. Designed for first- and second-year students representing public and private historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs), the multi-day conference offers a deep dive into professional and leadership training. Through collaborative workshops, attendees connect […]

HBCU HEROES Week brought together strengths coaches and campus leaders to build a national network

Participants from the University of the District of Columbia, Prairie View A&M University, Drake State Community & Technical College, St. Philip’s College and Shelton State Community College recently gathered for HBCUs Embracing and Retaining Our Everyday Strengths (HEROES), an intensive week of training designed to build relationships, establish community and prepare attendees for Gallup’s CliftonStrengths […]