IU Northwest hosting 3rd annual Steel City Knowledge Bowl
- By: Indiana University Northwest
- Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Campus, community, invited to Feb. 28 academic competition featuring local high schools
The quest for academic pride returns to Indiana University Northwest as the Steel City Knowledge Bowl returns to campus for the third straight year on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
This is an exciting academic competition where student teams from Northwest Indiana High Schools answer questions about African American history, life and culture. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend to support local high school students and perhaps even learn a thing or two themselves!
Event information
3rd annual Steel City Knowledge Bowl
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
College of Arts and Sciences, Mainstage Theatre (2nd floor)
This year will feature five local schools, including two-time champion West Side Leadership Academy, along with:
- 21st Century Academic
- Bishop Noll Institute
- East Chicago Central High School
- Thea Bowman Leadership Academy
The morning will begin with a performance by The Voices of Love, a gospel group based out of Gary. WGVE radio’s Jeffery Smith will be emceeing the event. Judges for the event include Crystal Melton, First Lady of Gary; Michael Tolbert, Attorney at Tolbert & Tolbert; and Deborah Black, Northwest Indiana Urban League Learning Labs Regional Coordinator.
If you’d like more information or learn how you can support the Steel City Knowledge Bowl, please visit the competition’s website.
