Supporting HBCUs and future educators of color

On April 22, 2023, some of the best college basketball players from around Ohio will go head-to-head against some of the best athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country on the Ohio State Campus in Columbus. But the athleticism on display during that matchup is only a small part of the purpose for this year's Classic for Columbus event, which also promotes education, economic development and diversity, while providing a platform to potentially bring more educators of color into the profession. The Classic for Columbus CEO and President explains.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLASSIC| Click here for the full schedule of activities at this year's Classic for Columbus and more information about how the Classic supports HBCUs and scholarships at other higher education institutions. 

GET TICKETS | OEA members can take advantage of a 'buy two, get one free' ticket promotion if they purchase tickets for themselves and their families before March 24. Use this link to get three tickets for the price of two through the Classic for Columbus site: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05005D7EA9662D43?did=oeaedu

Featured Education Matters guest: 

John Pace, Classic for Columbus CEO & PresidentJohn Pace is CEO/President of Classic For Columbus (CFC) based in Columbus, Ohio. The organization's mission is to promote education, economic development and diversity while raising funds for scholarships and institutions of higher learning. Under John's leadership, CFC awarded over $430,000 to scholarship programs and HBCUs in 2022. CFC produces large-scale events that include educational, cultural and entertainment festivities that complement collegiate football and basketball events. The organization's motto is: Optimize revenue and give it away. John has been producing major events in conjunction with Fortune 500 corporate sponsors for four decades. John's career began when he was a teenager and created a music awards program that became nationally acclaimed. John sold the intellectual property rights and trademark to Anheuser-Busch, which became part of the brewery's Michelob brand launch. Over the years, John's events have contributed millions of dollars to HBCUs and other community-based initiatives.   

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The Ohio Education Association represents about 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children.

This episode was recorded on February 8, 2023.