photo by steed media service

Growing up under the auspices of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the child of Elizabeth City State University graduates, which is one of the CIAA’s original members, LaTarzja Henry fondly remembers participating in the conference’s many educational and family-oriented events as a youngster. Now, executive director of communications for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Henry is able to introduce new generations of children to the nation’s oldest black athletic conference.

“One of the things that is very important when we talk about educating kids is for us to talk about [exposing them to] different experiences,” explains Henry. “ Oftentimes, the best learning experiences are not necessarily [occurring] in the classrooms. It’s about affording children the opportunity to experience different things. The CIAA does that.”

The robotics competition, where middle school students were able to construct robots and learn about engineering, is a favorite experience of past CIAA student participants. While participating in a number of academic exercises, students are able to meet with CIAA schools’ admissions and financial aid personnel and attend interviewing skills workshops.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our older students who are transitioning into college to explore some of the HBCUs that are here with the tournament,” says Henry. “Whatever we can do to introduce ideas about different opportunities after high school, specifically with colleges, I think is a wonderful opportunity for all of our kids.” - adam jones

For more information on the CIAA, log onto www.theciaa.com.

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