64 Teams from the Nations Historically Black Colleges and Universities Prepare to Vie for the Top Spot and Grant Money at Annual Academic Competition

(BLACK PR WIRE) (March 23, 2009) TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- More than 320 college students from 64 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) are making final preparations to face off in a unique battle of academic prowess at the 20th annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), March 27-29, in Orlando, FL. The Strong 64 participating schools, representing states from across the nation, were announced this week on HCASC’s website (http://www.hcasc.com/nct09/strong64.asp). Each participating college and university will have the opportunity to win grants for their school. In all, more than $300,000 in institutional grants will be awarded this year.

Since 1989, HCASC has brought together the nations best and brightest academic competitors from America’s top HBCU’s. During the three-day tournament, teams of college students showcase their intellectual skills in the areas of world history, science, literature, religion, the arts, social sciences, popular culture and African-American history and culture. Throughout its 20 year history, HCASC has been the only annual academic competition between the nations HBCU’s, touching over 50,000 students and awarding more than $5 million in grants.

In addition to providing students a venue for friendly competition, HCASC encourages relationship building, intellectual excellence and the development values that define good character. Many HCASC alumni have made significant contributions in the fields of science, medicine, aeronautics, education and government.

The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge was created to spotlight the academic heritage of the nations Historically Black Colleges and Universities by showcasing the great minds these institutions produce, said Marc Burt, senior manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity, American Honda Motor Company. Today, 20 years later, we are proud to say that HCASC not only shines a light on the academic excellence of HBCU students, but also serves as a platform for the educational, cultural and personal enrichment of our nations youth. As Honda marks 50 years of operations in the U.S, we are honored to be part of this life-enriching event.

This years Strong 64 will be split into eight divisions and compete in a modified round robin format. The top two teams from each division will advance to the "Sweet 16, and compete in a single elimination playoff. The final two teams will then compete for the National Champion title.
Colleges and universities from Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, Mississippi, Kentucky, Missouri, Pennsylvania and New York are slated to participate in this years 20th anniversary landmark challenge. In addition to receiving an all-expense paid trip to Orlando, FL. to compete, each participating institution will receive grant money for their college or university.

For more information on the Honda Campus All Star Challenge and a list of the 64 participating HBCU’s please visit www.hcasc.com.

About Honda
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment in 1959 of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. motorcycle production in Ohio in 1979, and U.S. automobile production in 1982. The company has invested more than $10.6 billion in its North America operations, including 16 major manufacturing facilities employing more than 34,000 associates, to produce Honda and Acura automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, lawn mowers, general-purpose engines, and other power equipment products.

Based on its belief in The Power of Dreams, Honda supports a variety of initiatives aimed at advancing education and creating experiences of discovery that help people see and achieve their own dreams. The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is just one of the many programs that demonstrate Honda’s long-term commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and to helping young people follow their dreams.

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