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After winning a series of regional competitions, Kentucky State University is one of 48 schools that will vie for the championship title at the 30th-annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America’s premier academic competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The HCASC National Championship Tournament will be held April 13-17, 2019 on the American Honda campus in Torrance, California. Kentucky State University has the opportunity to win the HCASC top prize – a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda.

Kentucky State will be represented by Mark E. Johannemann, a sophomore majoring in aquaculture from Louisville; Alexus C. Loyd, a sophomore majoring in business administration and accounting from Columbus, Ohio; Kierra LaShe’ Donald, a sophomore majoring in mass communications from Chicago; and Eric Huff, Jr., a freshman majoring in music performance from Detroit. Katianna Lynn Yates will coach the team.

“I am personally excited for the trip to California,” Donald said. “We’re excited to represent Kentucky State University and we have the opportunity to bring a win home!”

Honda Campus All-Star Challenge connects the nation’s best and brightest HBCU students who expand their scope of knowledge; learn teamwork and sportsmanship; and develop a bond with their fellow competitors. The fast-paced buzzer competition highlights students’ academic prowess and ability to answer questions about history, science, literature, religion, the arts and pop culture. Outside of gameplay, the year-round program provides community service activities, leadership, networking opportunities and mentorship.

“Honda congratulates the ‘Great 48’ for their incredible work ethic, teamwork and competitive spirit,” Steve Morikawa, vice president of Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility at American Honda, said. “We look forward to an exciting National Championship Tournament and crowning the 2019 HCASC National Champion in April.”

In 1989, Honda established HCASC as a way to recognize and celebrate the academic achievements of HBCU students. More than $9 million in grants from Honda to participating HBCUs have been used to fund tuition and book scholarships, student development initiatives, endowment and development campaigns, as well as facilities and equipment. Over its 30-year history, HCASC has built a network of more than 125,000 program alumni.

The 2019 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge finals will be live-streamed on Tuesday, April 16 starting at noon ET. To view the live stream and for more information about HCASC, including a full list of the 48 qualifying teams, visit HCASC.com.