The 2022 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament recently concluded with Fayetteville State and Lincoln (PA) crowned as men’s and women’s champions, respectively, but the overall experience presented many winning opportunities off the court as well.

As part of the week-long celebration in first-time host city Baltimore, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®), the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference, partnered with Visit Baltimore to offer meaningful off-the-court educational programming for the community and student-athletes. Events included Fan Fest, High School Education Day, CIAA Career Expo as well as town halls and symposiums on financial empowerment, wellness and mental health, and diversity and inclusion.

As a longtime tournament sponsor and CIAA partner, Nationwide is proud to showcase these student-athletes on a national stage while also using the platform to support education, open career doors and promote opportunity.

“When it comes to creating and sustaining diverse corporate cultures, we know the talent exists. But it’s wasted if the opportunities aren’t there,” said Ramon Jones, Nationwide’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Nationwide recognizes the value of connecting with students at the CIAA and HBCU schools to extend resources or opportunities so they are equally as empowered to step into careers or continue education that sets them on a path for success.”

Since partnering with the CIAA more than 10 years ago, Nationwide has contributed more than $1.1 million to general scholarship funds that support the 12 member schools, including a $120,000 contribution that was presented during the 2022 tournament. Also announced during an in-game recognition, Nationwide and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) awarded ten students a scholarship to attend the 2022 NBMBAA Annual Conference in Atlanta later this year. Six of the recipients attend CIAA schools with the other four representing HBCU institutions. While at the conference, those students will attend professional development sessions, network with other MBAs and participate in a career fair.

Participation in the annual CIAA Career Expo is another way Nationwide engages with students and alumni to promote opportunities at Nationwide and talk about the company’s inclusive culture. In fact, past players from this tournament have gone on to join Nationwide as interns and full-time associates. Beyond the tournament weekend, Nationwide’s talent acquisition team also connects with students on CIAA campuses year-round, offering things like resume workshops, career services and other resources.

Learn more about professional opportunities at Nationwide by visiting our Careers page.