POMPANO BEACH, Fla. - TelAve -- The Eta Nu Education Foundation (ENEF) and the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, in partnership with Reimagine Education Innovation Institute (REII) and Blaze Fire Games, hosted the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the nation's first UGC + AI & Esports Academy on Friday, September 12, 2025.

The event brought together educators, elected officials, and families to celebrate a facility designed to close opportunity gaps and prepare students for the jobs of the future. According to the 2023 State of Computer Science Education Report from Code.org, the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), and the ECEP Alliance, 60% of students express interest in computer science, yet fewer than half have access to courses. National Science Foundation data shows that Black students earn just 9% of computer science bachelor's degrees, highlighting a persistent participation gap. The new Academy aims to change that by offering micro-credentials, dual-credit courses, and direct industry pathways for students from middle school through higher education.

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"Tonight, we didn't just cut a ribbon — we opened a new door for every young person in our community," said Harry B. Harrell, Sr., Chairman of the Eta Nu Education Foundation. "This STEM Lab represents our belief that access to technology and opportunity should never depend on a family's ZIP code. Our mission is clear: we are building a pipeline for tomorrow's innovators and leaders, right here in Pompano Beach."

"This is what innovation looks like in action," said Dr. Isiah Reese, CEO and Co-Founder of Blaze Fire Games. "Together with ENEF and REII, we are reimagining how students engage with education by merging esports, AI, and workforce skills. This launch is proof that when communities invest in youth, they ignite talent that will change industries."

James St. Louis, ENEF's Chief Innovation Officer and CTO for Miami International Airport, added: "Technology is the great equalizer, and this lab gives our youth the tools to compete globally. The skills students gain here are exactly what employers are seeking."

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Guests toured the lab, experienced esports demonstrations, and saw how gaming and AI build problem-solving and collaboration skills that open doors to careers in technology, production, and entrepreneurship.

About ENEF

Eta Nu Education Foundation, Inc. (ENEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 1999 to cultivate and develop youth while enriching the community through mentoring, scholarships, and programs that promote academic excellence and community uplift. Learn more: https://www.etanu.org/enef.

About Blaze Fire Games & REII

Blaze Fire Games delivers esports, gaming, and digital education programs that create workforce pathways for students and lifelong learners. REII partners with schools and organizations to integrate innovation, technology, and workforce development into education.