Lane College students propose financial help app at competition

Lane College students stepped into a national spotlight this past week as they traveled to Charlotte, N.C., to compete in the BE Smart Hackathon presented by American Airlines and Black Enterprise. 

Over the course of the multi-day challenge, the team immersed themselves in rapid problem-solving, creative design, and real-world innovation.

The Hackathon brought together talented students from across the country and challenged them to build a thoughtful, AI integrated app to resolve critical community needs. 

Lane College students embraced the experience and created Oasis, a financial survival app that helps low-income families avoid financial crises. 

Using predictive analytics, the platform forecasts cash flow problems, tracks government benefits, connects users to local resources, and provides personalized AI coaching. 

Available as both a web app and native iOS application, Oasis transforms how vulnerable communities manage money and access support. 

Maureen Okoli, a senior computer science major, reflected on the experience as “an incredible opportunity that strengthened my teamwork and problem-solving skills. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds showed me how creativity and technology can come together to tackle real-world challenges.”

For fellow senior Philip Godwin, the event reaffirmed his passion for the field. 

“Technology is most powerful when it serves those who need it most,” Godwin said. “Watching our AI predict financial crises and our platform connect people to real resources reminded me that innovation and social impact aren’t separate goals. 

“They’re the same mission. I’m inspired to keep building tools that create meaningful change.”

Beyond the coding, presentations, and long work sessions, the event offered Lane students invaluable exposure to industry leaders and professional networks. They returned to campus energized and ready to channel their new skills into future projects, internships, and leadership roles.