CIAA EXPANDS YOUTH ENGAGEMENT WITH HIGH SCHOOL CHEER AND BAND EXHIBITIONS DURING 2027 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Expanded programming will connect high school students with CIAA cheer coaches, band directors and member institutions while creating new pathways for education, exposure and engagement with the HBCU experience
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 8, 2026) — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) is expanding its commitment to youth development, community engagement and educational opportunities with an enhanced CIAA High School Cheer Exhibition and the introduction of the CIAA High School Band Exhibition during the 2027 CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament in Baltimore, Maryland.
The expanded initiatives will provide high school students with opportunities to connect directly with CIAA member institutions, engage with collegiate cheer coaches and band directors, and gain valuable insight into the academic, athletic and extracurricular opportunities available at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
More than a showcase of talent, the exhibitions are designed to create meaningful connections between aspiring students and the CIAA community while celebrating the rich traditions of cheerleading, music, school spirit and cultural expression that have long been central to the HBCU experience.
The programming will culminate on Saturday, February 27, 2027, when participating high school cheer teams, competition cheer programs, high school bands and community-based bands serving youth ages 14 to 18 will take center stage at the Sprite Soundstage during CIAA Fan Fest inside the Baltimore Convention Center.
The free, two-day CIAA Fan Fest is a signature component of Tournament Week, bringing together thousands of fans, alumni, students, families and members of the Baltimore community for an immersive celebration of CIAA culture and traditions.
"At the CIAA, our commitment to developing the next generation extends far beyond athletics and the basketball court," said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. "Our institutions represent pathways to education, leadership, personal growth and lifelong opportunities. By expanding our high school cheer exhibition and introducing a band exhibition, we are creating meaningful experiences that allow young people to connect with our coaches, band directors and institutions while discovering what it means to be part of the HBCU community. We want every student who participates to leave inspired, informed and empowered to envision their future at one of our member institutions."
MORE THAN A PERFORMANCE: BUILDING PATHWAYS TO THE HBCU EXPERIENCE
As part of the expanded programming, participating students will have opportunities to engage with CIAA cheer coaches and band directors through educational activities and outreach experiences leading up to Tournament Week.
These engagement opportunities may include clinics, school visits, virtual information sessions and other activities designed to introduce students to collegiate programs, participation expectations and the overall student experience at CIAA institutions.
Both exhibitions will be supported by an advisory group consisting of CIAA cheer coaches and band directors, helping ensure that the initiatives provide meaningful educational engagement and opportunities for students to learn directly from collegiate leaders.
The CIAA High School Cheer Exhibition will highlight the athleticism, creativity, teamwork and school spirit of participating high school and competition cheer programs. The enhanced format will also create opportunities for participants to learn more about collegiate cheerleading and the expectations associated with participating at the next level.
The inaugural CIAA High School Band Exhibition will celebrate the musicianship, precision, showmanship and cultural traditions of high school and community-based bands. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with CIAA band directors while experiencing the energy and legacy of the HBCU band tradition.
Together, these initiatives reinforce the CIAA's commitment to creating opportunities that introduce young people to higher education, strengthen community relationships and cultivate the next generation of HBCU students, leaders and supporters.
REGISTRATION OPENS OCTOBER 15
High schools, competition cheer teams and community-based bands interested in participating in the 2027 CIAA High School Cheer and Band Exhibitions may begin registering on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at ciaafanfest.com.
Additional information regarding registration requirements, eligibility, participation guidelines and event logistics will be provided as details are finalized.
For questions or additional information before registration opens, interested programs may contact contact@ciaafanfest.com.
ABOUT THE 2027 CIAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The 81st CIAA Men's and 52nd CIAA Women's Basketball Tournament will take place February 23–27, 2027, at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
Under the theme "The Legacy Continues," the 2027 tournament will celebrate the conference's rich history, championship traditions and continued impact on collegiate athletics, education and the communities it serves.
In addition to championship basketball, Tournament Week features community engagement initiatives, educational programming, entertainment and cultural experiences that bring together CIAA students, alumni, supporters and fans from across the country.
For additional tournament information, visit theciaa.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Matisse S. Lee
Senior Associate Commissioner, Communications & Marketing, Special Projects / SWA
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
Email: mlee@theciaa.com
ABOUT THE CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.
For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.