North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has reached a historic milestone, capturing its first national title at the prestigious Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC).
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) made school history by winning its first national championship title at the 37th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), capping an exciting competition that celebrates academic excellence and the enduring legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). NCCU took home the $100,000 grand prize, part of more than $500,000 in institutional grants Honda is awarding this year to participating HBCUs.
Held annually, the HCASC brings together top students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country to compete in a fast-paced quiz bowl that tests knowledge in history, science, literature, and culture.
A Breakthrough Victory for NCCU
For NCCU, this championship win represents years of dedication and growth within the program. Competing against some of the brightest minds from HBCUs nationwide, the team demonstrated consistency, confidence, and composure throughout the tournament.
The championship team was coached by Clayton C. Mack, Jr., and includes team captain Ronni Butts, a junior majoring in political science from Charlotte, N.C.; Chantel Chestnutt, a junior majoring in history and political science from Goldsboro, N.C.; Alena Dockery, a junior majoring in political science from Youngsville, N.C.; and Jadzia "Z" Kowalczyk, a freshman majoring in art from Garner, N.C. This marks NCCU's 34th appearance in the HCASC National Championship Tournament.
"Winning the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge feels great," said Butts. "Our team practices four days a week for several hours and seeing that dedication result in the very first NCCU championship, while also representing the first NCCU all-female team to compete in the championship game, is incredible.“
Runner-up Hampton University received a $40,000 grant from Honda. Third- and fourth-place finishers Fisk University and Spelman College each received a $26,000 grant from Honda. Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, and Southern University - Baton Rouge rounded out the "Great 8" teams that advanced to the HCASC Finals. Honda is awarding more than $500,000 to the participating schools.
The Importance of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge
The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, sponsored by American Honda, has long been recognized as a premier academic competition celebrating HBCU talent. Beyond the competition itself, the program provides scholarships, networking opportunities, and national recognition for participating students.
For many institutions, participating in HCASC is about more than winning—it’s about highlighting academic excellence and creating pathways for future leaders.
Elevating HBCU Excellence
NCCU’s victory underscores the continued impact and importance of HBCUs in shaping the next generation of scholars and professionals. The win sends a strong message about the depth of talent within these institutions and reinforces their role as centers of academic innovation and cultural leadership.
As conversations around educational equity and opportunity continue, moments like this highlight what is possible when students are supported and empowered to excel.
HCASC Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees
The HCASC Alumni Hall of Fame was established to recognize former players who have achieved success in their careers and life paths, and foster opportunities for them to mentor the next generation of HCASC participants. The 2026 inductees include Dr. Alonzo Brandon Alexander, Florida A&M University alumnus and director of the Kyran Anderson Academy and the Imhotep Academy at the Science House of North Carolina State University; Keith Green, Tuskegee University alumnus and senior scientist at Reynolds American; and Mark Stepney, Harris-Stowe State University alumnus and automotive industry veteran.
About: North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a historically Black university known for its strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community leadership. NCCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and has a longstanding tradition of preparing students for impactful careers across multiple industries.
About Honda and Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Honda has supported the success and dreams of HBCU students for over 35 years, through programs such as the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands. These initiatives have impacted the lives of more than 350,000 students and provided over $16 million in grants toward HBCU education programs and facilities improvements.
Through its "Drive the Legacy" initiative, Honda partners with HBCUs and organizations such as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, National Urban League, and local UNCF chapters, to offer development opportunities to HBCU students and recruit top talent for its future workforce. Honda also supports initiatives of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus to bring together government, industry and HBCUs to create strategic, more sustainable HBCU partnerships.
