UC partners with Cincinnati Public Schools for the 2nd All-Star Showcase event

In its second year, the All-Star event moved locations due to a court refinishing project at UC’s Fifth Third Arena. Woodward Career Technical High School was selected as it is one of the largest venues within the district and its central location. Rich basketball history lives at Woodward with it being home to the first basketball state championship team in the district. 

Along with notable summer leagues, many events have been played on Coach Dennis Bettis Court. 

“In addition to the gym, there is a perfect setup with the Woodward cafetorium right outside of the gym that will host the College and Career Fair. We are excited to highlight and showcase our student-athletes at a CPS school this year and look forward to heading back to Fifth Third Arena next year and in future years,” said CPS Athletics Manager Josh Hardin.

Throughout the showcase, the CPS All-Stars will compete in games and individuals representing all CPS schools will compete in competitions such as the slam dunk and three-point contests. The event will also hold a recognition of recent Marian Spencer Scholarship recipients and Elementary All-Stars will also happen throughout the event. 

“This event is about highlighting our All-Stars…our all-star players, our all-star scholar athletes…it just makes sense that it would be sponsored by two all-star education leaders, CPS and UC,” said Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management at UC.

With the location change, limited tickets are available for program stakeholders including student-athletes, family members, and sponsors. Tickets are allocated in advance and will not be available at the event. If you have questions, please contact your school’s athletic director. 

For those not in attendance, catch all the action on the livestream from the comfort of your home.

The showcase demonstrates the partnership with UC’s CPS Strong initiative that focuses on recruitment, persistence, retention, and graduation of former CPS students attending UC. 

“UC is so proud to be part of this All-Star game,” said Miner. “This day is about celebrating these incredible student-athletes, but it is also about honoring and laying aside the rivalries, celebrating the pride in our neighborhoods, our schools, and this city, and remembering the importance that this game and these schools have played in building this city.”

In lieu of ticket purchases, CPS and UC is asking for your support of Project Connect. 

“The funding provided through the CPS All-Star game allows the Project Connect program to go beyond the letter of the law and serve children experiencing homelessness in a holistic and meaningful manner,” said Rebeka Beach, manager of Project Connect. 

Founded in 1996, Project Connect provides advocacy paired with specialized educational services and lifestyle enrichment opportunities for children who have neither a voice, nor a choice, in experiencing homelessness. CPS annually serves about 3,500 students who are experiencing homelessness. 

Funds raised in the past allowed for the expansion of the Project Connect Summer Academic and Enrichment program serving CPS students residing in local family shelters, according to Beach. In addition to academic and enrichment opportunities, students were able to explore the world through unique outdoor experiences such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, and swimming lessons. 

“The Project Connect program is deeply appreciative of this event and the opportunities that the funding provides for some of our cities most vulnerable children and youth,” said Beach.

College and Career Opportunity Fair

The CPS district serves as Greater Cincinnati’s largest school district and Ohio’s third largest, serving about 36,000 students in 65 schools spread across a 91 square mile district in Southwest Ohio. 

The College and Career Opportunity Fair will take place from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. The Fair is expecting up to 1,000 attendees including but not limited to students, families, and athletes. Registration cost is $95.00 plus a $4.18 processing fee. The deadline to register is Friday, March 3.

Several opportunities are available to become a sponsor with all proceeds going to CPS Project Connect. For more information or to lock in your branding rights today, contact Ricky Miller, Senior Manager of Athletics at Activities Beyond the Classroom, at rmiller@abccincy.org