Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Highlights HBCU Excellence With $500,000 In Grants
More than 200 students and coaches from 32 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are preparing for the 36th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC). This is a top academic contest for HBCU students in the United States. The HCASC National Championship finals will be streamed on April 17 at 3:00 p.m. PDT on YouTube via HCASC NCT.
The "Thrilling 32" teams, having excelled in February's national qualifying tournaments, are set to compete in the 2025 HCASC National Championship Tournament. They aim for the title and a share of over $500,000 in institutional grants from Honda. This event will take place near American Honda's corporate headquarters in Torrance, California.

"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, 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."
Since its inception in 1989, HCASC has supported over 175,000 HBCU students. This year, Honda will award more than $500,000 in grants to participating schools. Many institutions use these funds for student scholarships. The winning team will receive a grand prize of $100,000 from Honda.
The HCASC competition involves three Face-Off rounds with bonus questions and concludes with the Ultimate Challenge round. Here, any team can make a comeback and win. Students dedicate hundreds of hours studying various subjects like science, history, art, current events, math, African American history, geography, literature, sports, and pop culture to prepare.
This year's tournament includes five out of six HBCUs that participated in February's Honda Battle of the Bands 2025. Morehouse College stands out as the only school to qualify for all 36 HCASC National Championships.
Building Lifelong Connections
HCASC not only tests academic prowess but also fosters leadership and teamwork skills among participants. Competing against peers from other HBCUs allows students to build networks and receive mentorship from alumni and Honda associates. Over 90% of participants highlight lifelong friendships as a significant benefit.
There are 89 eligible HBCUs representing 20 states and Washington D.C., able to participate in HCASC. Alumni have excelled globally in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, media, aeronautics, education, industry, and government.
Honda's Broader Support for HBCUs
For over 35 years, Honda has backed HBCU students through initiatives like HCASC and the Honda Battle of the Bands. These programs have influenced over 300,000 students' lives while providing more than $14 million in grants for educational programs and facility improvements at HBCUs.
Through its "Drive the Legacy" initiative, Honda collaborates with organizations like Thurgood Marshall College Fund and National Urban League to offer development opportunities for HBCU students. They also recruit top talent for future workforce needs.
Honda supports efforts by the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus to unite government bodies with industries and HBCUs for strategic partnerships that ensure sustainable growth.


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