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CHARLOTTE -- The CIAA helped thousands of students get a leg up on their education Wednesday. The tournament held its annual college fair at the Charlotte Convention Center. Recruiters were on hand processing applications and providing information.

Thousands of CIAA fans descended on the Charlotte Convention Center, not to talk basketball, but to get the ball rolling on their education. "I want to see what other colleges are out there too so I'm excited," said Juanita Leto a senior at Concord High School.

Nearly 3,000 high school students and more than 1,000 middle schoolers from across the Southeast packed the event's center for the CIAA's sixth annual Education Day program Wednesday.

"Jobs are very scarce because of the economy,” said program coordinator Raukell Robinson. “So we want to make that our students are prepared. The sooner students start the process the better off they are."

Representatives from 13 CIAA schools were on hand processing applications, conducting interviews and helping students apply for financial aid. Military recruiters were also on-site. "This is a chance for them to get the information for themselves and make some great decisions for their future," Robinson added.

For Jasmine DeBerry, a senior at Concord High School, Wednesday's fair was an opportunity to hit several colleges at once. "I want to see what majors and degrees they offer and see the community," she said.

Before Wednesday's fair, Deven Morgan didn't know how he was going to pay for school. "I want to see if I qualify for any scholarships that might be available today," he said.

Many colleges on-site also waived application fees and awarded early admission.