News Release

College hosts High Achievers Academic Bowl March 16

March 9, 2010

Who was the first black cohost of NBC’s Today show? What do the letters “UNCF” stand for? What U.S. Supreme Court decision declared school segregation unconstitutional?

These types of questions will be posed to teams of seventh and eighth graders from nine area schools when they vie for the top prize in the 21st annual High Achievers Academic Bowl at Penn State Harrisburg, Tuesday, March 16.

The event, hosted each year by the Penn State Office of Multicultural Recruitment and Community Affairs, will be from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Capital Union Building Student Center on campus. The competition is free and open to the public.

Participating middle schools are Central Dauphin, Central Dauphin East, Harrisburg Math and Science Academy, Linglestown, Middletown Area, Northern Lebanon, Steelton-Highspire, Susquehanna Township, and Swatara.

Barbara Thompson, director of the Office of Multicultural Recruitment and Community Affairs says, “The annual Academic Bowl has become a pillar of the college’s commitment to reach out and partner with local schools. Through this fun, challenging, and educational event, participants see the value of team learning and group participation.”

The competition utilizes three sources: “The Black Americans of Achievement Game,” “African American Facts and Trivia,” and the “African, Asian, and Hispanic Collections.” Included are questions about the accomplishments of black Americans and information about other cultures.

Through studying the questions and using information presented during Black History Month activities, students are expected to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for cultural and ethnic diversity. Multi-ethnic team participation is encouraged and more than 1,000 students have participated in the Academic Bowl since it has been hosted by Penn State Harrisburg.

Prizes will be awarded to all participating students and schools and the first place team will receive a trophy. All participating schools receive books to enhance their library collections.