We’re kicking things off with intention. In this opening session at Next Legacy Partners, Ty Montgomery welcomes you to Startup School and sets the tone for the days ahead. A former NFL player and now an investor, Ty brings a unique perspective on what it means to take the first step toward something bigger. 

Like a first down in football, this moment is about progress and positioning—being on the right path and ready for what comes next. This session marks the official start of your Startup School experience. You’re here. You’re in position.

Start your day at Playground Global with check-in, breakfast, and good vibes. Grab your badge, fuel up, and connect with other students before the first session kicks off.

This is also when you’ll pick up your device (laptop or iPad). Please note: while every student will receive a device, we cannot guarantee which type. Devices will be distributed in the order of check-in, and supplies are limited—so for example, if all laptops are claimed early, remaining students will receive an iPad.

Be sure to bring a valid ID with you to receive your device.

This isn’t a sit-back-and-listen event — this is boots on the ground time.

In this electric kickoff session, you’ll meet four powerhouse HBCU alumni who are embedded as your hosts for the weekend. They’ll share real stories about the hustle, the wins, the stumbles, and what they wish they’d known in undergrad. But most importantly, they’ll help you gear up to make the most of Startup School: how to introduce yourself with confidence, how to stand out (for all the right reasons), and how to ask questions that get you remembered.

By the end of this session, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running — fully prepped, fully present, and ready to turn this experience into a launchpad.

Ryan Nece built a career around knowing what comes next—on the football field, in business, and in life. As a Super Bowl champion turned investor and philanthropist, Ryan believes the most successful people aren’t just focused on winning today—they’re already thinking about how to lift others as they climb. 

In this session, Ryan shares why generosity is a strategy, not just a value—and how being generous with your time, relationships, and ideas right now sets you up for something greater later. He’ll invite you to reflect on how the rhythm you build today can shape your future. You don’t need to wait until you “make it” to give back. Your next play starts with how you show up now.

Whether you love it or dread it, networking is one of the most powerful tools you have to open doors, build connections, and shape your future. In this interactive, fast-paced workshop, Desiree Jones will break down the art of meaningful networking — from making a strong first impression to asking thoughtful questions and following up in a way that leaves people remembering you. You’ll walk away with practical tips, ready-to-use conversation starters, and the confidence to navigate the rest of Startup School like a pro. Let’s turn “Hey, nice to meet you” into the start of something big.

AI isn’t just shaping the future — it’s shaping your future. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how we live, work, and build, it’s no longer enough to be consumers of technology; we have to be its creators, its critics, and its conscience.

In this conversation, hear from leading voices at the intersection of AI, education, and innovation. We’ll explore how large language models are changing everything—and why it’s essential that people from historically excluded communities are at the forefront of what comes next. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of where AI is headed, the opportunities it’s unlocking, and how you can prepare to lead in a world that’s being built—one prompt at a time.

Take time to recharge, connect, and reflect. Grab lunch, meet someone new, and catch your breath before we dive into the afternoon sessions. Whether you’re swapping stories or swapping LinkedIn profiles, this is your moment to refuel and build community.

Javaughn Lawrence didn’t set out to build a typical tech company—he set out to build something that felt true to who he is and where he comes from. What started with a love for collectibles turned into Drip, a live commerce platform powered by community and culture, and backed by some of the biggest names in venture capital. 

In this session, Javaughn shares how his personal story, cultural roots, and creative interests shaped the company he’s building today. He’ll talk about why authenticity is one of a founder’s greatest assets, how to turn what you love into what you lead, and why some of the most exciting startups are the ones that center culture as the product.

What if you could increase your chances of success—not by luck, but by design? Michael Seibel has done just that. As co-founder of Twitch (acquired by Amazon for $970M) and Socialcam (acquired by Autodesk for $60M), and a former Partner at Y Combinator, he’s seen how success often comes down to being in the right place, around the right people, at the right time. 

In this fireside chat, Michael breaks down how students can create their own “serendipity engines”—by putting themselves in environments that spark opportunity. He’ll share lessons from his journey as a serial founder and investor, and why your early choices—where you go, who you build with, what you say yes to—can shape the trajectory of your entire career.

Ease into the final day of Startup School with coffee, conversation, and community. Join us for a light breakfast and connect with fellow attendees before we kick off the morning’s sessions. It’s a moment to reflect, refuel, and get ready to go big.

What does it take to turn your idea into a funded, scalable company — and how do you do it as an HBCU founder?

In this candid conversation, Marlon Evans, CEO of Nex Cubed, which operates the HBCU Founders Accelerator, shares his journey from athlete to impact-driven investor. He’ll discuss how his team is closing the racial wealth gap by investing in startups led by HBCU students, alumni, and faculty, and how they’ve built a $40 million fund to back bold ideas.

What really happens after graduation? In this honest and energizing panel, professionals working in tech, finance, and entrepreneurship share how they navigated the leap from college to career—and the bold moves that helped them get there. Whether it was chasing an unexpected internship, starting something from scratch, or moving across the country for a role, each speaker has taken intentional steps to build a career in innovation. 

You’ll hear how early experiences—from campus orgs to fellowships to that first internship—opened doors to six-figure roles, founder journeys, and investment opportunities. The panelists will also reflect on how they’re thinking about wealth at this stage of their careers, what they’ve learned about building it early, and how they’re setting themselves up for sustainable wealth and impact. This session is all about turning your first few career steps into a launchpad—and doing it with clarity, intention, and vision.

Your early professional roles aren’t just jobs — they’re the launchpad for your future as a founder. In this session, you’ll learn how to turn your first 3–5 years out of college into a personal startup accelerator. This session will guide you in building essential technical skills, expanding your network, and creating a personal timeline for success. Learn how to strategically use your early career experiences to craft a 3–5 year career accelerator that aligns with your startup ambitions.

The future generation of iconic entrepreneurs won’t just build apps—they’ll reimagine the systems that shape how we live, eat, move, and survive. Etosha Cave is doing exactly that. As co-founder of Twelve, she’s using science and engineering to turn carbon emissions into everyday products—living proof that deep tech can drive real-world impact. 

In this closing session, Etosha shares her path from curious student to company founder. She’ll talk about the leap from research to entrepreneurship, how she built the skills to lead, and what it takes to turn bold ideas into scalable solutions. Her story is a reminder that your college years aren’t just about learning—they’re the perfect time to start thinking big and imagining the future you want to help build.