Innovation Shines at Demo Day Through Technology Partnership With CodePath and Bowie State

Bowie State students recently presented software engineering, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity projects at CodePath’s Demo Day on Oct. 10, highlighting hands-on learning, industry partnership and career readiness. Bowie State University, in collaboration with the Maryland Higher Education Commission and Maryland Department of Labor, recently announced a new partnership between CodePath and Bowie State to expand tech career opportunities and Maryland’s cyber workforce.

CodePath, a national nonprofit that integrates advanced computer science courses into college degree programs, partners with Bowie State University, the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the Maryland Department of Labor to strengthen Maryland’s cybersecurity and AI workforce. Through this ongoing partnership, Bowie State students receive free training in software engineering, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The program aims to reach at least 800 students, with 60% to 80% expected to secure internships or jobs in high-demand technology fields. 

Five student presenters — Malachi Batiste, Javon Thompson, Taylor Bass, Johan Juarez and Whitley Shields — shared projects that showed creativity and technical skill. Each presentation reflected the kind of hands-on learning that prepares Bowie State students to lead in competitive technology careers. 

“Our goal is to give students the kind of industry-aligned, real-world experiences that will make them stand out as future leaders in the AI workforce,” said Dr. Shumba, chair of the Department of Computer Science. 

Audience member Jermaine Bookhart, a senior, said the event pushed him to aim higher.

“Watching my Bowie State peers present showed me that we’re not just students, we’re future engineers and innovators,” said Bookhart. “Opportunities like CodePath give us the confidence and skills to compete at the highest level.” 

The Demo Day highlighted Bowie State’s growing leadership in technology education through partnerships that empower students to explore, innovate and prepare for the future of work.