The annual National HBCU Week is organized by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity. This year’s theme is “Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet.” Cricket Wireless is in year six of being proud supporters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 
 

Cricket HBCU Campus Ambassadors 

The Cricket HBCU Campus Ambassador Program is a testament to what results when excellence meets opportunity. Our 2024-2025 class consists of 15 students representing 13 HBCUs across the country. The group includes student government leaders and entrepreneurs. We were happy to welcome them to Atlanta and into #CricketNation.  
 


Two of our Atlanta University Center ambassadors and a former ambassador also participated in our College 101 Session. These sessions are designed to spark the possibilities of pursuing a college education among Boys & Girls Clubs of America teen members. In the College 101 panel discussion, Salvation Army Bellwood Boys and Girls Club teens learned about scholarships and how college students can leverage programs like the Cricket HBCU Campus Ambassador Program to pursue their professional goals.  
 


Additionally, newcomer to the Program and FAMU student, Tatiana also connected with Cricket Chief Marketing Officer, Tony Mokry for an interview with Rolling Out Magazine to discuss the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff gameday excitement. Tune in to their conversation here


MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff  

The 2024 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff welcomed droves of HBCU fans to our hometown of Atlanta on August 24. Gameday anticipation rose at the Cricket HBCU Fan Zone where attendees got to take home custom school hats from our hat making station, snap flicks of the Cricket Celebration Bowl trophy, recharge in the Cricket lounge, and watch New York based graffiti artist, Andaluz create a mural in real time to commemorate the kickoff game.  

22,210 attendees watched the FAMU Rattlers take home the season’s first win against the Norfolk State University Spartans. Cricket’s new President, Angela Rittgers joined ESPN Events Executive Director, John Grant for the coin toss before the showdown followed by the trophy presentation to Florida A&M University Coach, James Colzie III. 

 

Throughout football season, you can catch us on the road to the Cricket Celebration Bowl at numerous Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) football games. Look out for our branded van for giveaways and learn more about our investment in HBCUs.  

Beyond the field, Cricket remains committed to providing meaningful opportunities for the communities we serve. We hope to continue investing in these institutions that are producing so many of tomorrow’s leaders, today.