Courtesy of Bowie State University
Although the CIAA Basketball Tournament brings fans and alumni from around the nation to the week-long event, the Education Day, Career Fair and Tech Summit are among the many off-court activities that attracted Bowie State students and staff.
BSU Admissions Office staff and students were on hand at Education Day where Baltimore-area high schoolers were able to meet college students and counselors from all of the CIAA schools. In addition to learning about each schoolsâ academic programs, the high school students enjoyed performances of HBCU bands and cheerleaders.
By participating in the CIAAâs 2024 Education Day, students got a glimpse into what is available at Black colleges and universities.  They learned about financial aid, admission requirements and what it takes to succeed at an HBCU. The Tech Summit drew a crowd of students, entrepreneurs, university and corporate leaders to discuss how AI and other emerging technologies are changing how we work and live. Calvin – Caleb Amiolemen, a Bowie State junior computer science major, participated as a panelist in the Teens in Tech program and provided advice to high school students on the panel.
âWhen youâre in college, you have to build relationships with your professors,â said Amiolemen. âYou should always strive to improve and get better. Always ask questions. Remember, closed mouths donât get fed.â Amiolemen is preparing for a summer internship with Adobe and wants to become an entrepreneur operating his own cybersecurity company.
Baltimore native Rodney Williams, president and co-founder of Solo Funds, a company founded on the principal of using technology to help provide community-based financing, spoke at the Tech Summit.
âWe give people the tools they need to make smart decisions about who to loan money to and earn a return on their investment,â said Williams. âWe also give borrowers the power to protect themselves and set the amount and repayment date that they can manage.â
More than 50 Bowie State students also took advantage of the CIAA Career Expo to connect with employers from across the country seeking HBCU talent for internships and jobs placement. Several students walked away with job offers. This annual event was also open to local Baltimore residents seeking career opportunities.
Throughout the week, students, alumni and fans enjoyed many other activities including the Battle of the Bands, Cheerleading Exposition, Step Show Throwdown and the All-CIAA Alumni Party. A spirit of excitement and collegial competition permeated the week.