School of Education panel addressing the Open Court Male Youth Summit
From February 16th to February 18th, 2024, the city of Indianapolis transformed into a basketball fan’s paradise, hosting the NBA All-Star Game Weekend. It was a time when the city was beaming with groups, organizations, clubs, and, of course, towering NBA players and their coaching staff - all with a shared goal of promoting basketball and raising its profile.
But beyond the three-pointers and slam dunks, the event also served as a platform for organizations to connect with the community and promote their causes. One such organization, the Urban Education Collaborative at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between sports and education.
A student watches the panel discuss educational topics
Open Court Male Youth Summit: More than Just a Game
The organization reached out to none other than our illustrious Dean at the School of Education, Dr. Tambra Jackson, inviting her faculty, students, and staff to participate in an Open Court Male Youth Summit. This wasn't an ordinary event; it attracted more than 200 students and chaperones from 14 different school districts, organizations, and clubs around Indianapolis.
Dr. Ted Hall and Norris Cole Sr. share a moment after discussing education and its importance
Education and NBA Dreams: A Panel Discussion
During the summit, the IU School of Education in Indianapolis was privileged to host a panel discussion, shedding light on the importance of higher education. It was a captive audience, most of them high school basketball players, each with dreams of making it big in the NBA.
The panel's mission was to show these aspiring athletes that while they chase their NBA dreams, they should also keep their eyes on the education ball. After all, even if they don't make it to the NBA, there's a world of opportunities within the organization—coaching, staff, front office—you name it. But the catch? All these positions typically require a college degree. An important lesson for all in attendance. Higher education is just as important as their athletic dreams.
The Panelists: An All-Star Team of Educators
The panelists were a diverse mix of educators, advisors, and graduate students, including Dr. Cleveland Hayes (Associate Dean for Academic Affairs), Dr. Ted Hall (Assistant Dean for Student Support), Tim Williams (Academic Advisor), Dr. Joseph Tucker Edmonds (Africana Studies faculty), and Michael Durrett (Graduate Student).
They tackled topics such as the importance of education, the journey of becoming an educator, and how a degree in education can help mold a better player. They also highlighted the Africana Studies and Urban Teacher Education Degree Program (ASTUTE), a unique dual degree combining liberal arts education with professional teacher training.
Dr. Cleveland Hayes and Tim Williams discussing with a student after the panel concluded
Networking and Building Bridges
Following the panel discussion, the students had the chance to network with the attending organizations. Our panelists fielded questions, shared insights on applying to the School of Education, and emphasized the dedication required to become a lifelong learner.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the organizations that hosted us. Without them, we wouldn't have had the opportunity to inspire so many bright minds. Here's to basketball, books, and building brighter futures!
List of organizations that participated during the summit:
- Fathers & Men of Professional Basketball Players
- Rise 2 Impact
- The Urban Education Collaborative at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Arsenal Tech High School
- Ben Davis High School
- Charles Tindley Accelerated School
- Crispus Attucks High School
- Herron-Riverside High School
- Indianapolis George Washington High School
- KIPP Indy Legacy High School
- Lawrence Central High School
- McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology
- New Augusta Public Academy
- Pike High School
- Warren Central High School
- Struggle University (Community Organization)
- NEW B.O.Y (Community Organization)