North Carolina Wesleyan University’s esports program continues to grow and create new opportunities for students as Brightspeed expands its commitment to strengthening STEM education and esports initiatives across North Carolina through a major statewide investment.
Brightspeed recently announced a $580,000 investment in STEM and esports programs designed to enhance digital learning, support competitive gaming opportunities, and build stronger technology ecosystems throughout the region. The funding supports a wide range of initiatives, including tournament sponsorships, technology lab development, and direct support for school and university esports programs.
As part of this statewide effort, North Carolina Wesleyan University esports received funding support for scholarships, equipment upgrades, and travel opportunities, further strengthening the University’s competitive gaming presence and expanding student access to high-quality esports experiences.
“Esports is about far more than gaming,” said Chantoni Grant, Director of Esports at NCWU. “It provides students with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, strategy, communication, and technical skills that align with today’s workforce. This investment helps ensure our students have the resources to compete and succeed at a higher level.”
Student Spotlight: Doors Open for NC Wesleyan Competitors
For students like Lamont Taylor, an NC Wesleyan esports competitor from Princeton, North Carolina, the program has provided opportunities far beyond the screen. Taylor said the program has opened doors both in competition and in career development.
“This program has changed what I thought was possible for me,” Taylor said. “We’ve been able to compete at a higher level and represent our university on bigger stages. It’s not just about gaming. It’s about learning technology, teamwork and skills that will help us in our future careers.”
Taylor’s experience reflects the growing role esports plays in higher education, helping students gain hands-on experience in communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and technical skill development all while building confidence and representing their institution.
Esports Growth Meets Workforce Development
Brightspeed’s investment reflects a growing recognition of esports as an academic and career-building platform, particularly when paired with STEM education. Across the state, funding is supporting initiatives such as:
- Sponsorship of major esports competitions including the Coca-Cola All Stars Golden Ticket Contest, Formula STEM Esports Cup, and Players League Madden NFL Tournament
- Technology lab support for high schools across North Carolina
- Community-based tournament series and youth esports development opportunities
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, this support strengthens the Bishop Gaming Association and provides students with expanded competitive and professional development opportunities.
Esports participation at NC Wesleyan offers students the chance to build skills in areas such as broadcasting, content creation, event production, analytics, digital marketing, and information technology — all while representing the University through competitive play.
Get Involved with NC Wesleyan Esports
North Carolina Wesleyan University encourages students, alumni, and community partners to support the University’s growing esports efforts.
Those interested in learning more about the esports program, partnership opportunities, or student involvement can visit ncwu.edu or follow NC Wesleyan on social media for updates, team highlights, and upcoming competitions.
NCWU Hosts Regional Science Olympiad
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly hosted a Regional Science Olympiad competition on campus this past Saturday, welcoming more than 300 middle and high school students for a day of hands-on, competitive STEM events.
A total of 27 teams from 15 schools participated in the event, showcasing their knowledge and skills across a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The competition featured two divisions: Division B (Middle School) with 6 schools and 11 teams, and Division C (High School) with 9 schools and 16 teams.
The event was coordinated by Brittany Al Attabi, NCWU Visiting Instructor of Biology and Chemistry, whose leadership helped bring together a dynamic and engaging experience for all participants.
“The Science Olympiad participants are passionate about the STEM disciplines and are fierce competitors,” said Al Attabi. “Their hard work throughout the school year was evident in their participation. We loved having such a large number of science-minded students on campus and hope to continue to bring this event back in the future.”
Students competed in a wide range of events, from hands-on engineering challenges to knowledge-based scientific exams, fostering both collaboration and innovation.
Dr. Joseph H. Lane, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the significance of the event. “Professor Al Attabi really should be commended for bringing such an extraordinary group of young people to our campus and providing them with this opportunity to practice science in a fun but competitive environment,” said Lane. “The enthusiasm and ingenuity of these students is an inspiration, and we hope that they will take what they have learned in practicing for and competing in this event forward into future scientific discoveries.”
Competition Results:
Division B – Middle School
Junior Varsity:
1st Place – Alston Ridge Middle School JV1
2nd Place – Alston Ridge Middle School JV2
Varsity:
1st Place – Alston Ridge Middle School
2nd Place – Woods Charter School
Division C – High School
Junior Varsity:
1st Place – Apex Friendship High School JV1
2nd Place – The Epiphany School of Global Studies JV1
Varsity:
1st Place – Needham B. Broughton High School
2nd Place – Woods Charter School
NCWU looks forward to continuing to host events like the Science Olympiad that inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators while strengthening connections with schools and communities across the region.
