Hampton University students achieved significant recognition at the seventh annual Moguls in the Making entrepreneurial pitch competition, securing second place and substantial scholarship awards for their innovative business solution. The team competed against 49 other students from historically black colleges and universities in Detroit to address economic mobility challenges.

Hampton students develop FuelU food security solution

The five-member Hampton University team created FuelU, an innovative approach to addressing food insecurity through meal plans at community college campuses across Detroit. Their solution features temperature-controlled lockers that provide healthy, fresh, ready-to-go meals directly to students using AI-powered technology.

Team members Arthur Green, Kaleb Moore, Lynnette Smith, Symonne Brooks and Trinity Polk each received $10,000 scholarships for their second-place finish. The students represent diverse academic disciplines including Strategic Communications, Business Management, Finance, Marketing and Journalism.

The FuelU concept addresses a critical need on college campuses where food insecurity affects significant numbers of students. The technology-driven approach combines convenient access with nutritional quality, targeting a demographic often struggling with both time constraints and financial limitations.

Competition brings 50 HBCU students to Detroit

The Moguls in the Making program, hosted by Ally Financial in collaboration with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, gathered 50 students from 10 historically black colleges and universities for the four-day competition from September 11-14. Participants formed 10 teams of five students each to develop business concepts addressing economic mobility challenges.

Students toured Detroit to learn about the city’s heritage, community strengths and existing challenges before receiving industry assignments. Each team created comprehensive business plans to transform their concepts into actionable solutions for the local community.

The competition incorporated learning experiences about artificial intelligence integration, teaching students how to responsibly incorporate AI into their business processes. This component prepared participants for the evolving workforce landscape where AI collaboration will become increasingly important.

Spelman College claims first place with Prospera platform

Spelman College earned first place recognition with their Prospera concept, an ecosystem designed to build up women-owned small businesses and increase economic mobility. Each team member received $20,000 scholarships for their winning presentation.

The Spelman team positioned Prospera as more than a financial technology platform, describing it as a comprehensive partner in financial well-being for female entrepreneurs. Their approach addressed both funding access and broader business support needs for women-owned enterprises.

North Carolina A&T State University secured third place with Detroit Capital Connect, an AI-powered tool helping small businesses identify grants, loans and funding opportunities while simplifying application processes. Each team member received $5,000 scholarships for their participation.

Program provides comprehensive entrepreneurial education

Beyond the competition itself, students participated in workshops, fireside chats and mentor engagement sessions with Detroit business community leaders. The program included motivational messages from executives and community leaders designed to inspire entrepreneurial thinking.

Actor and television personality Terrence J shared his career journey with participants, discussing how determination and grit enabled him to build success in the entertainment industry. His presentation emphasized following passions while building professional recognition through persistent effort.

More than 460 students completed applications for this year’s competition, with participants selected from Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M College and Spelman College.

Ally Financial expands HBCU investment commitment

Since the program’s inception in 2019, nearly 400 students have participated in Moguls in the Making competitions. Ally Financial has awarded nearly $1.5 million in scholarships and prizes through the program, demonstrating sustained commitment to HBCU student development.

All participating students who did not place in the top three teams received $1,000 scholarships for their competition involvement. This approach ensures that all participants benefit financially from their entrepreneurial efforts and learning experiences.

Chief Human Resources Officer Kathie Patterson emphasized that Moguls in the Making provides invaluable early business experience for future leaders. The program allows students to learn from industry experts while exploring how different sectors can create positive community impact.

Winning team gains national television exposure

The first-place Spelman College team will appear on The Jennifer Hudson Show on September 25 to discuss their Moguls in the Making experience and winning business concept. This national television exposure provides additional recognition for their entrepreneurial achievement.

The television appearance extends the program’s impact beyond scholarship awards, offering winners a platform to share their ideas with broader audiences. This exposure could potentially lead to additional opportunities for business development and professional networking.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund President Harry Williams praised Ally’s investment in innovation and entrepreneurial talent at HBCUs. He noted that the company’s commitment empowers students to improve their socioeconomic standing while benefiting their broader communities.

The competition demonstrates how corporate partnerships with historically black colleges and universities can create meaningful opportunities for student development while addressing real community challenges through innovative business solutions.