UAPB, Philander Smith students to design technology for addressing loneliness

April 10, 2026 - 02:13

Students from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Philander Smith University are channeling innovation toward a profound human issue: loneliness. This weekend, they will collaborate at a specialized "Designing for Social Good Workshop" to create technology aimed at fostering connection and community.

The initiative, spearheaded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Marlon Evans through his HBCU Founders Initiative, focuses on applying STEM skills to urgent societal needs. The workshop challenges participants to move beyond traditional commercial applications and consider how digital tools can improve mental well-being and social cohesion.

Loneliness, increasingly recognized as a public health concern, affects millions across all demographics. This student-led project represents a proactive, empathetic approach to problem-solving within the tech landscape. By concentrating on human-centered design, the aspiring developers and engineers aim to build prototypes that facilitate meaningful interaction and support networks.

The event underscores a growing movement within academia to equip students with the perspective and skills to address complex, real-world problems. It highlights the critical role Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in cultivating diverse tech talent focused on inclusive innovation. The outcomes of this workshop could inspire new avenues for using technology as a bridge, rather than a barrier, to human connection.