UNLV Collegiate 100 Takes Third at National Workforce Challenge

UNLV Collegiate 100 placed third in a national workforce development competition at the 40th Annual 100 Black Men of America National Convention in New York City. The chapter’s AI-focused playbook aims to prepare Black students for careers, entrepreneurship and long-term economic mobility in a changing economy.

Why it matters: - UNLV Collegiate 100’s third-place finish puts the chapter on a national stage for workforce development. - The winning concept centers on AI literacy, career readiness and economic mobility for Black students. - The project is designed as a scalable model that other chapters and institutions could adapt.

What happened: - UNLV Collegiate 100 earned third place in the National Collegiate 100 Workforce Development Challenge. - The competition took place at the 40th Annual 100 Black Men of America National Convention in New York City. - Guylan Belser and Ryan Staples delivered the UNLV presentation. - Skylah Jackson-Buford, Guylan Belser and Ryan Staples developed the competition project.

The details: - The project is titled “Future Workforce Readiness Playbook: Economic Resilience in the Age of AI – Preparing Black Students to Lead the Next Workforce Era.” - The playbook lays out a four-year roadmap. - The plan focuses on AI literacy, career readiness, workforce development, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship and long-term economic mobility. - The proposal includes industry-recognized certifications, mentorship, internships and corporate partnerships. - The strategy is built to help students become leaders, innovators and business owners in a technology-driven economy. - Dr. Kenneth A. Cottrell, advisor for UNLV Collegiate 100, said the recognition reflects the students’ talent, preparation and dedication. - Cottrell said the presentation showed UNLV students are helping shape the future of work.

Between the lines: - The challenge pushed Collegiate 100 chapters to build practical answers to workforce readiness gaps. - UNLV’s emphasis on AI and entrepreneurship signals a focus on industries where student skills could translate into faster career gains. - The recognition also strengthens UNLV Collegiate 100’s profile around leadership development and professional preparation.

What's next: - UNLV Collegiate 100 will likely use the national recognition to support its mentoring, career readiness and leadership programs. - The chapter’s workforce model could be positioned for broader use across the Collegiate 100 network. - More information is available on the organization’s website.