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College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS)

Booker T. Washington Economic Development Summit

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½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï will host the 30th Annual Booker T. Washington Economic Development Summit (BTW Summit) on September 10–11, 2026. The Summit continues ½ñÈճԹϒs commitment to advancing the legacy of Booker T. Washington through economic development, entrepreneurship, education, and community empowerment.

 
Conference Theme

 

“Establishing Economic Ecosystems that Promote Development and Prosperity.” This year’s theme focuses on creating connected economic systems that encourage sustainable development, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and long-term prosperity.

Dates & Location

September 10–11, 2026
½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Campus
1200 W Montgomery Rd
½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï, AL 36088

About the Summit

The 30th Annual Booker T. Washington Economic Development Summit brings together business leaders, educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, students, and community stakeholders. Participants will engage in conversations and activities centered on building stronger economic ecosystems and advancing development and prosperity.

Program Focus

Summit discussions and activities will explore topics such as:

• Entrepreneurship and business development
• Economic and community development
• Education, innovation, and workforce development
• Collaboration among businesses, institutions, and communities
• Sustainable pathways to economic growth and prosperity

Community & Extension Engagement

The Summit is supported by ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï, the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS), the Cooperative Extension Program, and the Carver Integrative Sustainability Center (CISC). Together, these organizations advance Booker T. Washington’s legacy of education, self-reliance, cooperation, and economic progress.

More Information

Visit www.tuskegee.edu/btwsummit for Summit information and future program updates.

Our Work

Visit to explore programs and initiatives advancing sustainable community and economic development.

 

History of the Booker T. Washington Economic Development Summit

The Booker T. Washington Economic Development Summit was established to honor the visionary leadership of Dr. Booker T. Washington, founder of ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï, whose philosophy of economic self-reliance and education continues to inspire generations. The Summit serves as a modern platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration, connecting ½ñÈճԹϒs historic mission to today’s challenges in entrepreneurship, agriculture, and economic equity.

More Information

Agenda-at-a-Glance

30th Booker T. Washington Economic Development Summit

Empowering Economic Ecosystems: Innovation, Shared Prosperity, and the Next Generation of Leaders

September 10–11, 2026 • ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï • ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï, Alabama
Agenda updated September 1, 2026

On smaller screens, scroll each schedule horizontally to view all columns. Blank rooms are not specified in the agenda.

Thursday, September 10, 2026
Time Session Topic Room
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.   Registration Lobby
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.   Breakfast and Networking Main Floor
8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Opening Session Welcome and Presidential Address Main Floor
9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.   Occasion and Dedication to Dr. Velma L. Blackwell Main Floor
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Opening Plenary Recent Economic Development in Small Cities and Towns Main Floor
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.   Stretch Break  
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. General Session 1 University Centers for Economic Development and Empowerment Main Floor
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.   Luncheon Main Floor
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Breakout Session A Anchor Institutions for Community and Economic Development Main Floor
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Breakout Session B Students, Entrepreneurship and Social Impact Tompkins Hall
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Breakout Session C YES Summit Tompkins Hall
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Breakout Session D Establishing the Entrepreneurship Mindset Logan Hall
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.   Networking Reception Logan Hall Lawn
Friday, September 11, 2026
Time Session Topic Room
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.   Registration and Breakfast Tompkins Hall
9:10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.   Integrative Public Policy and Development Roundtable Tompkins Hall
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.   Break  
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Closing Plenary A New Age of International Development for Higher Education The Chapel
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.   Boxed Lunch  
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Closing Address From Talent to Transformation The Chapel
2:00 p.m.   Acknowledgements The Chapel
2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.   Pictures at the Monument  

It is the policy of ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Cooperative Extension Program to provide equal employment opportunities and to offer educational programs, resources and materials to eligible participants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital or veteran status, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). For all reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Shirley Brown, Director, Office of Civil Rights Compliance at sbrown@tuskegee.edu.

Registration

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Program Link

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