Working to help the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge

The HBCU Smart Cities Challenge encourages Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) in the United States to develop technological solutions for real-world problems. Cloudflare, a cyber security company, supports this initiative by providing mentors and the opportunity to apply for Project Galileo, which offers free cyber security protection. HBCU Smart Cities Challenge aims to address issues like water management, broadband accessibility, public health, and affordable housing in various cities. Students from HBCUs work together to build smart city applications using Internet of Things technology over several months. Cloudflare's involvement in the challenge is a testament to their commitment to bridging the gap in accessibility to digital landscapes for minority communities while ensuring safety and optimizing performance. The initiative also highlights the unique role HBCUs play in closing socioeconomic gaps for Black students, as evidenced by personal experiences of alumni like Nikole Phillips.