HBCU Teams Compete for $500K at 37th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge

This year, 32 standout teams are heading to Southern California for a chance to claim the national title—and a share of more than $500,000 in institutional grants.

A Premier Academic Competition for HBCU Talent

For nearly four decades, the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has served as one of the most prestigious academic competitions for HBCU students across the United States. Since its launch in 1989, the program has supported more than 180,000 students, providing not just funding but also leadership development and networking opportunities.

Each year, teams of four students go head-to-head in a fast-paced quiz bowl format, answering questions spanning topics such as science, history, literature, economics, and pop culture.

The Road to the National Championship

The journey to the championship begins months in advance, with rigorous preparation and qualifying tournaments. Only the top 32 teams—often referred to as the “Thrilling 32”—earn a place in the final competition.

The 2026 National Championship Tournament will culminate in mid-April, where one team will walk away with the top prize of $100,000 in institutional funding, along with national recognition.

More Than a Competition

While the competition itself is intense, HCASC offers far more than a trophy. Participants gain:

Leadership and teamwork skills
Access to mentorship from alumni and professionals
Networking opportunities with peers across the country
Career development programming

Many participants describe the experience as transformative, helping them build lifelong connections and confidence beyond the classroom.

Celebrating Legacy, Culture, and Community

HCASC is deeply rooted in celebrating the academic achievements and cultural contributions of HBCUs. The program continues to foster a strong sense of community, connecting generations of students, alumni, and supporters.

Over the years, the competition has become a launchpad for future leaders in fields such as engineering, medicine, education, and government.

Why HCASC Matters Today

At a time when access to educational resources and opportunities remains critical, initiatives like HCASC play an important role in supporting HBCUs and their students. The funding provided helps institutions invest in scholarships, campus programs, and infrastructure.

Competing HBCU Teams

The "Thrilling 32" HBCUs Competing for the 2026 HCASC Championship Title

Alabama A&M University
Alabama State University
Albany State University
Benedict College
Clark Atlanta University
Dillard University
Fisk University
Florida A&M University
Fort Valley State University
Hampton University
Howard University
Kentucky State University
Langston University
Lincoln University-Pennsylvania
Livingstone College
Mississippi Valley State University
Morehouse College
Norfolk State University
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Central University
Oakwood University
Paul Quinn College
Prairie View A&M University
Southern University - Baton Rouge
Spelman College
Stillman College
Tennessee State University
Tuskegee University
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
University of the District of Columbia
Virginia State University
Winston-Salem State University

As the 37th competition unfolds, all eyes will be on the next generation of scholars ready to make their mark.

About Honda

Honda is a global automotive and technology company known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community impact. Through initiatives like the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, the company invests in education and supports the development of future leaders.

About HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)

HBCUs are institutions of higher education established primarily to serve Black students. They have played a vital role in advancing education, culture, and economic mobility, producing leaders across industries for more than a century.