Virginia State University Students To Compete In Premier HBCU Academic National Championship

Four VSU students will test their knowledge and compete for financial prizes at this year's Honda Campus All-Star Challenge.

A team of Virginia State University students has qualified to compete in the 36th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) National Championship. VSU is one of 32 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) vying for the HCASC National Championship title held in Torrance, California, in April. The competition offers more than $500,000 in institutional grants.  

This marks the seventh straight year the University has qualified for the HCASC National Championship. Under coach Dr. Diann Baecker, the VSU team, consisting of Jason Jackson, Dominique Rhoden, Esa Salcedo, and team captain Jasmine White, will showcase their knowledge on a national level.

"I couldn't be prouder of these students for earning the opportunity to compete in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship," said Baecker, an associate professor of Languages and Literature. "The HCASC is a premier academic competition that teaches extremely valuable skills and enables students to expand their professional networks. I can't wait for these students to showcase their knowledge and show HBCUs from around the country why Greater Happens Here at VSU."

The HCASC is a year-round program that highlights the academic talents of students nationwide, allowing them to compete in a fast-paced head-to-head format, answering questions on topics ranging from history and science to math and pop culture. In addition to encouraging students to broaden their knowledge across diverse subjects, the HCASC strengthens leadership and teamwork abilities.

"Now in its fourth decade, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has showcased the brilliance and vibrant culture of HBCU students across generations, helping drive the powerful legacy of HBCUs," said Jasmine Cockfield, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge project lead at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda is thrilled to champion and inspire the next generation of leaders, empowering HBCU students with the resources and experiences to help turn their dreams into reality."

The 36th HCASC National Championship will be live-streamed on their official YouTube channel, starting at 3:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time on April 17.