The idea of “suiting up for the big game” took on a different meaning for 100 middle-school boys from across Dallas County last month at The University of Texas at Dallas.

Twenty-five teams of four donned dress clothes and huddled up for the second African American Male Academic Bowl, an event designed to promote a culture of learning and achievement. Tournament play tested participants’ knowledge of subjects including science, math, African-American history and inventors and more in a quiz-show setting. The event also offered campus tours and workshops for parents, on topics ranging from financial literacy to preparing children for college.

“Sadly, many African-American men do not finish school. That’s why we’re here today,” said Dr. Andrew C. Jones, executive vice chancellor of educational affairs with the Dallas County Community College District, as he welcomed the students, coaches, families and supporters.

Dr. David E. Daniel, president of UT Dallas, welcomed the crowd to campus and announced a surprise for each participant: passes to the NFL Experience, courtesy of the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee.

After hours of competition, the following teams emerged victorious:

  • Jerry Junkins Elementary Team 3, Fourth and Fifth Grade Division.
  • Faith Cumberland Church, Sixth and Seventh Grade Division.

Each member was awarded a Nook electronic reader.

The second-place teams, which received iPod Nanos, were:

  • Jerry Junkins Elementary Team 2, Fourth and Fifth Grade Division.
  • Mentor Brother 2 Brother Born to Lead, Sixth and Seventh Grade Division.

“When I asked the crowd ‘Who is here on campus for the first time?’ almost everyone raised their hands,” said Arthur Gregg, master of ceremonies and assistant vice president of Multicultural Affairs at UT Dallas. “Hosting the Academic Bowl provided an exciting and enjoyable opportunity for these dedicated young students to see our university. It also created a college-going mind-set for the kids – they could see college in their futures.”

The second African American Male Academic Bowl was sponsored by AT&T; the Dallas County Community College District; Dallas ISD; Jackson State University; J.O.Y. Foods; Merit Provisions; the National Society of Black Engineers; Nationwide; Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities; Project Still I Rise, Inc.; the Office of Sen. Royce West; Time Warner Cable; UT Austin Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and UT Dallas.