Future-Ready

Historic move closes the digital divide and propels students into high‑growth digital careers.

Nation‑Leading Launch: REII and Blaze Fire Games Partner with Eta Nu Education Foundation to Unveil the First UGC + AI & Esports Academy Center of Excellence

Historic move closes the digital divide and propels students into high‑growth digital careers.

Pompano Beach, FL — September 10th, 2025 – Eta Nu Education Foundation, Inc. (ENEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in partnership with Reimagine Education and Innovation Institute (REII) and Blaze Fire Games, has launched the nation’s first Blaze Fire Games User‑Generated Content (UGC) + Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Esports Academy Center of Excellence (COE). This groundbreaking model integrates gaming, AI, and workforce development into a single pipeline, equipping students from middle school through higher education with stackable micro‑credentials, dual‑credit courses, and direct industry pipelines.

Harry B. Harrell, Sr., Chairman of the Eta Nu Education Foundation, said, “As a son of Pompano Beach and a lifelong advocate for youth, I am profoundly proud to help launch our nation’s first UGC + AI & Esports Academy. This is an emotional moment for us. For the Eta Nu Education Foundation and the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., it feels like just yesterday, in 2016, that we cut the ribbon to open the Eta Nu Education Center, a center for innovation born from a vision and a belief that ‘if better is possible, then good is not enough.’ Through this partnership, we have not only achieved a digital transformation of what was our African American resource center for youth, but also expanded our corporate footprint both domestically and internationally. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), our mission has only grown stronger. With the Center of Excellence powered by Reimagine Education and Innovation Institute and Blaze Fire Games, we are harnessing esports and artificial intelligence to create pathways that will transform lives and neighborhoods. That directly impacts our unwavering commitment to uplifting underserved youth and cultivating the next generation of innovators, as we live out our creed: ‘Lifting as We Climb.’ This initiative ensures that no young person is left behind.”

Harrell’s remarks were echoed by Dr. Isiah Reese, CEO & Co-Founder of Aperion Global Institute and Blaze Fire Games, who emphasized that this initiative is about igniting a movement.

Dr. Isiah Reese, CEO & Co‑Founder of Blaze Fire Games User‑Generated Content (UGC) + Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Esports Academy Center of Excellence (COE), said, “We are ecstatic to partner with the Eta Nu Education Foundation. We are not just announcing a multi-year partnership program. We at Blaze Fire Games and our global partners have made a long-term commitment to be very intentional and execute our everyday to 🎮 "Educate. Elevate. Compete." and together create future digital innovators in perpetuity.” said “For too long, underserved students have been shut out of the digital economy. By weaving UGC, AI, and esports into education, this Center of Excellence ensures every lifelong learner from any socioeconomic status background gains the skills, mentorship, credentials, and knowledge that are required to be considered a best-in-class candidate in this multi-billion-dollar technology channel in gaming and esports, which is arguably one of the fastest‑growing sectors in the world.”

Following Dr. Reese’s remarks, James St. Louis—Chief Innovation Officer for the Eta Nu Education Foundation and Chief Technology Officer for Miami International Airport, and a proud US Marine Corps Veteran—underscored the initiative’s technological and societal impact.

“As both the Chief Innovation Officer of the Eta Nu Education Foundation and the Chief Technology Officer of Miami International Airport, I see every day how transformative technology can be,” said James St. Louis, CIO for the foundation and CTO for Miami International Airport. “This Academy harnesses that power to equip our youth with world‑class digital skills. As a veteran, I champion mission‑critical innovation; by bringing AI, esports, and UGC into education, we ensure our students are future-ready and our community remains competitive.”

Why This Matters

• A widening participation gap. Nationally, 60% of students in grades 5–12 express interest in computer science, yet only 42% have ever taken a related course. This disparity persists through high school: These same students remain underrepresented in advanced STEM courses and earn just 9% of bachelor’s degrees in computer science and 5% in engineering. Half of Black adults cite the lack of mentors as a significant deterrent to pursuing STEM fields.

• Games are influential teachers. Research from HEVGA and the ESA highlights that video games foster networks of playful learning, enhancing engagement and connecting students to course material. Games enhance problem‑solving skills and accommodate different learners, while promoting engagement, resilience, collaboration, and technical skills. Students who engage with game design and esports build computational thinking and open pathways into game development, live production, data analytics, and entrepreneurship.

• Local proof and national impact. The Eta Nu Education Foundation’s mentoring programs demonstrate that when students receive early exposure and guidance, outcomes soar. Through the Q Unit (ages 10‑14) and Gentlemen of Influence (ages 15‑18) programs, Eta Nu promotes academic excellence, community service, college readiness, character, and life skills. Their research indicates that connecting students to mentors and advanced coursework is crucial in bridging the gap between interest and participation.

Community Impact

• K‑12 Schools: After-school esports clubs, UGC maker labs, and AI-driven tutoring keep students engaged, particularly for those who are otherwise underrepresented in advanced courses. By delivering dual-credit courses and stackable credentials through our virtual campus, the Academy empowers districts to modernize their CTE offerings without incurring significant start‑up costs.

• Colleges & Workforce Boards: Technical, community, and four-year institutions can license curricula aligned with industry standards. Executive-in-residence programs connect learners with senior executives and entrepreneurs. Competitive esports leagues and production labs offer pathways into careers in event management, streaming, and broadcasting.

Together, this partnership and STEM Lab launch will erase the digital divide, reimagine workforce readiness, and empower the next generation of digital innovators.

To learn more about the Eta Nu Education Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit, visit: https://www.etanu.org/enef/.

To learn more about Blaze Fire Games, visit: https://blazefiregames.com/about/.

CONTACT

David Alimo, CEO & Founder
Mawa Media
David.Alimo@mawamedia.com
612-408-3070
www.mawamedia.com

Whitney Rawls, Director of Public Relations
Eta Nu Education Foundation, Inc.
Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
etanuques1969@gmail.com

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