Elizabeth City State University and Bowie State University were presented with the Award for Research Excellence in Nasa Related Science at this years CIAA Tournament.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is an athletic conference consisting of 12 historically African-American institutions. Established in 1912, the CIAA is the nation's oldest black athletic conference. The presence of the CIAA as a premiere member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, continues to expand throughout the country.

NASA and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) formed a new all-star team of America's next generation of leaders and explorers at this year's CIAA Basketball Tournament in Raleigh, N.C.

Astronaut Leland Melvin, a former NFL football player, engaged students in activities designed to spark their interest and guide them toward careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). "Over the next two decades, the projected number of students pursuing careers in STEM disciplines may not meet the critical needs of this country. With more than 100,000 attendees, the CIAA serves as an excellent venue, where NASA can aggressively encourage and attract students to pursue careers that will yield the essential talent required to meet this challenge," said NASA's Chief Ed. Officer, Dr. Adena W. Loston.

NASA's involvement with the tournament was to inspire interest in STEM disciplines, expose underrepresented populations to careers at NASA, and build a pipeline of talent that will ensure and maintain America's preeminence in science and technology.

For information on NASA's educational programs and activities on the Internet, visit http://education.nasa.gov