North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and Rocky Mount Academy (RMA) are partnering to launch BGA NEXTGEN, a new media production fellowship designed to give RMA students hands-on experience in digital storytelling, video production and post-production while connecting them with college-level mentors and industry-standard technology.
The partnership marks the first collaboration of its kind between North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Bishop Gaming Association (BGA) and a K-12 school, extending NCWU’s commitment to experiential learning beyond the university campus and into the local community.
Through BGA NEXTGEN, a select group of RMA students will work alongside collegiate media specialists Chantoni Grant, NCWU Director of Esports, and Shafiq Nuijts ’26, a current NCWU senior, who will provide mentorship and hands-on instruction in digital media production.
“NC Wesleyan has given me the experience and tools to develop and hone my editing and audiovisual skills,” said Nuijts. “The fact that I am now able to pass that knowledge on to the next generation is both an honor and a privilege.”
What to expect
Students participating in the inaugural fellowship will learn DaVinci Resolve, an industry-standard platform used for professional video editing, visual effects and color grading. Rather than functioning as a traditional extracurricular club, BGA NEXTGEN is structured as a focused, project-based fellowship in which students will create public-facing media for RMA, including athletic highlight videos, hype videos, event documentaries and short-form film content.
Alec Lockhart, RMA Upper School Chemistry & Physics, Esports, Media Productions, shares “We are moving past the traditional model of a high school AV club. By partnering with NC Wesleyan, we’re giving our students a direct pipeline to collegiate-level mentorship and industry-standard tools. This partnership allows our students to treat the Rocky Mount Academy campus as their own production studio, transforming theoretical tech skills into a public-facing, professional portfolio before they even graduate.”
“BGA NEXTGEN is an opportunity to take what our students have learned through the Bishop Gaming Association and create a meaningful pipeline for younger students who are interested in digital media,” said Grant. “We want these students to not only learn the technical skills, but to understand what it means to create content for a real audience, meet deadlines and build a professional body of work.”
The fellowship will be limited to five students during its inaugural fall session. While prior editing experience is beneficial, the program is designed for students who demonstrate creativity, reliability, dedication and a willingness to learn. All necessary cameras, editing hardware and software will be provided.
About BGA
Established in 2019, the Bishop Gaming Association has grown into one of NCWU’s largest and most active student organizations, engaging approximately 80 to 100 students through competitive esports, media production, content creation and professional development. The organization has evolved beyond gaming to provide students with opportunities to develop skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, broadcasting, technology and digital media.
Through BGA Productions, NCWU students have explored areas including broadcasting, journalism, graphic design, social media management, podcasting, streaming and video production. Students have produced original programming, including BGA News, while building portfolios that connect their collegiate experiences to potential career pathways.
The association has also developed community partnerships that provide students with opportunities to gain professional experience. Collaborations with WHIG-TV, for example, have connected BGA students with internships, job-shadowing experiences and broadcast production opportunities.
The Merging of Opportunities
BGA NEXTGEN builds on that experiential learning model by giving RMA students the opportunity to begin developing their own professional portfolios before entering college.
Students who successfully complete the fall fellowship will be positioned to take on leadership roles in the spring and following academic year, helping serve as technical mentors for future participants. The goal is to create a sustainable student-led program in which each cohort helps prepare the next generation.
The inaugural BGA NEXTGEN fellowship will take place in two phases between September and October. By the conclusion of the program, participating students will have completed real-world media projects, gained experience with professional production tools and developed a portfolio that can strengthen their future college and career opportunities.
BGA NEXTGEN reflects the shared commitment of North Carolina Wesleyan University and Rocky Mount Academy to creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop career-ready skills and see what is possible when education and community partnerships come together.
NC Wesleyan Esports Announces Partnership Renewal and New Scholarship Opportunity with Brightspeed
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Bishop Gaming Association (BGA), the University’s premier esports program, is excited to announce a renewed and expanded partnership with Brightspeed, ushering in a new phase of support for collegiate esports and STEM-focused student success.
As part of this renewed agreement, Brightspeed will provide a $2,500 scholarship to support a Bishop Gaming Association player, with the recipient to be selected for the spring 2027 semester. The partnership also includes continued sponsorship of NC Wesleyan University’s esports program, reinforcing Brightspeed’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students and increasing visibility of the University’s growing esports community.
Brightspeed’s Evolving Investment in Esports and STEM
The continued partnership builds on Brightspeed’s earlier investment in NC Wesleyan esports, part of a broader $580,000+ statewide commitment to STEM and esports initiatives across North Carolina. Brightspeed’s support spans tournament sponsorships, technology lab development, and direct investment in school and university esports programs, helping to enhance digital learning and competitive gaming opportunities for students.
“We’re proud to support organizations like Bishop Gaming Association as they spark creativity to help students see what’s possible,” said Sabrina Anderson at Brightspeed. “Our investment reinforces the power of community partnerships and the importance of bringing high-quality educational resources to students across North Carolina.”
At NC Wesleyan, Brightspeed’s continued backing supports scholarships, equipment upgrades, and travel for tournaments, ensuring the Bishop Gaming Association can compete at a higher level while providing students with rich, hands-on experiences in the rapidly growing esports ecosystem.
Esports as a Platform for Future Leaders
“Esports at NCWU is evolving, and this renewal from Brightspeed allows our students to evolve with it,” said Chantoni Grant, Director of Esports at NCWU. “We’re not just playing games. We are building leaders, creators, and future professionals. Brightspeed’s continued support gives our students the tools to take that next step.”
Participation in NC Wesleyan esports offers students opportunities to develop skills in broadcasting, content creation, event production, analytics, digital marketing, and information technology, all while representing the University in competitive play. These experiences align with workforce demands in technology, media, and STEM-related fields, positioning esports as both a co-curricular passion and a professional launchpad.
Get Involved with NC Wesleyan Esports
North Carolina Wesleyan University invites students, alumni, and community partners to engage with the Bishop Gaming Association and support the University’s expanding esports efforts. Those interested in learning more about NCWU esports, scholarship opportunities, partnerships, or student involvement can visit ncwu.edu or follow NC Wesleyan and Bishop Esports on social media for program updates, team highlights, and upcoming competitions.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students.
NCWU offers a best-in-class value and a personally tailored private higher education experience. We invest in each and every student we accept by providing individualized awards, scholarships and grants. Wesleyan is YOUR hometown University that is Personal. Practical, and Purpose-Driven. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. In addition to its educational mission, NCWU serves as a vital economic engine for the region, contributing over $209 million to the local economy.
To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
About Brightspeed
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our nearly 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com.
NCWC Students Job Shadow at Grover Gaming in Greenville, NC
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – While many college students spend their spring breaks traveling or visiting their favorite beach, several students at NC Wesleyan took the time to learn about career development. The College’s Office of Career Development & Leadership organized an opportunity for a small group of NCWC juniors to visit Grover Gaming in Greenville, NC. On Tuesday, March 8 and Wednesday, March 9, these students were exposed to many aspects of the organization’s business, including their game development studio. Grover Gaming’s Greenville location is home to game developers, 3D artists, release QA testers, research and development engineers, and several other teams.
All students who participated are Computer Information Systems majors. They were able to learn about the mission, vision and values within the company, benefits of full-time positions and the intersection of various departments. As an added bonus, each student received a professional headshot taken by Grover Gaming.
“When I heard Grover’s president, Garrett Blackwelder, discuss the meaning behind the company name being rooted in the concept of growth, I knew I had brought our students to a great place for a developmental experience. Mr. Blackwelder genuinely explained that “Grover” was selected to reflect his vision for the organization to “grow over and over” in the game development industry and also for his entire team to continually grow professionally and personally,” stated Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership at NC Wesleyan. “Our visit confirmed this as I found the Grover culture to be intoxicatingly warm while also laser-focused on the company’s goals.”
Ki Vera Pardillo, one of the NCWC students who took part in this opportunity, witnessed how her training in the classroom could apply to a full-time career after college. She states: “I got to see a real-life setting for the development processes of gaming software ranging from graphic design to the deployment of their products. I was also able to ask software developers and programmers which methods and development tools they use to create the programs, as well as how they improve their products to have a competitive advantage.”
Langley hopes to continue facilitating future visits to Grover Gaming so that additional students can learn specifically about the game development side of the business.
About Grover Gaming
Founded in Greenville, NC, Grover Gaming is a software development and design company with offices and distribution facilities in 9 different states that specializes in electronic gaming throughout the US and Canada. Grover Gaming has evolved from a small gaming route started by founder Garrett Blackwelder in 2003, to a company of over 350 talented employees, focused on building a strong foundation of humble, passionate people, effective processes, and superior products. That vision continues, thanks to our growing team of dedicated employees and their desire to create innovative and entertaining gaming experiences for an ever-changing industry. Grover Gaming is a multiyear recipient of Inc Magazine’s prestigious Inc 5000 award, ranking #194 in 2020.
Esports Thrives at NC Wesleyan University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Bishop Gaming Association (BGA) is North Carolina Wesleyan University’s co-ed Esports Program. Established in September 2019, the BGA has quickly become the College’s largest student club with 89 current members. The Program is categorized into three different entities: the Elite Team, Productions and the Club.
The Elite Team is for students who are looking to compete in leagues or tournaments on a collegiate level. Students can compete on both PC and console platforms in multiple games, including Call of Duty, Overwatch, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros and many more. BGA Elite Team members are part of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the Collegiate Star League (CSL). Since its inception, the team has participated in several third-party tournaments. To become a BGA Elite Team member, students must: complete a questionnaire; submit a highlight reel via Twitch, Facebook or YouTube; participate in live tryouts; and play a game with current members to exhibit their communication and skills in a team environment.
Productions is targeted toward students interested in video editing, content creation, graphic design, journalism, TV shows, podcasting and on-air hosting. The BGA Production room allows students to explore their creative ideas and consists of an iMac computer, an Alienware computer and Elgato products for graphic design, podcasting, editing and streaming. Students within BGA Productions shoot, edit and produce a bi-weekly segment called “BGA News,” which is broadcast on televisions throughout campus and shared on The BGA’s social media accounts.
Those who are casual gamers or spectators interested in gaming as an extracurricular activity are able to join the BGA Club. The Club allows casual gamers to participate in various BGA-sponsored gaming events and activities. Those interested in the Club are able to develop their gaming skills, as well as receive education and various perspectives into the development of video games.
Video game tournaments – known as Esports – are quickly becoming a must-have on many college and university campuses. The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), says that there are currently more than 170 active collegiate varsity Esports teams with over 5,000 student-athletes.
“I am excited to return back to North Carolina Wesleyan University to help promote the culture of gaming, media and entertainment in our community. My goal is to provide students with awareness, resources, advice and experience in the gaming industry,” stated Chantoni Grant, Director of Bishop Gaming Association.
The Bishop Gaming Association has developed positive relationships with faculty, staff, students and media outlets while interacting successfully with the College community. It provides students with knowledge to enter the Esports field from any angle. The BGA offers connections, internship programs and desired career opportunities within the Esports and production industry. Students develop skills in community building, team chemistry, managing and organizing teams, planning and organizing events, and creating innovative and unique strategies. The College’s state-of-the-art, glass-enclosed Esports gaming room, The Fortress, opened in January 2021 in The Hartness Center and is equipped with the some of the best equipment in the gaming industry. The room features a row of Alienware computers, multiple flat screen TVs, a small console area and an Esports art wall created by students.
