Game-Changers: How Esports is Shaping Futures at Boys & Girls Clubs
Video games aren’t just for fun anymore — they’re shaping futures! Esports is one of the fastest-growing activities in K-12 schools and universities across the country. And with good reason — 97% of teens are gaming regularly, and 83% of minority teens are part of that group. But here’s the reality: while most of these teens are gamers, only about 14% of video game creators are Latinx or African-American, compared to 68% who are European/Caucasian.1
At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we’ve partnered with Cxmmunity to bring cutting-edge esports programs to our Clubs, creating a game-changing experience for our youth. Comcast helped us establish this relationship with Cxmmunity, and through this partnership, we’re opening exciting new opportunities—helping young people turn their passion for gaming into potential career paths.
Who are the visionaries behind this initiative? We spoke with Cxmmunity co-founder and Boys & Girls Club alumni, Julian Fitzgerald, Denise Moore and Jay McPherson, who are dedicated to empowering the next generation through esports. They know firsthand how access to opportunities can transform lives, and now they’re on a mission to help the next generation turn their passions into thriving careers.
Why Gaming? Why Now?
Gaming is more than just a pastime — it’s a booming industry. “Gaming generates over $200 billion in revenue globally each year, more than music and film combined. That impact is what kickstarted Cxmmunity and shaped our vision,” shared Julian. This massive industry offers countless career paths, and the Esports Readiness Program is designed to help teens explore them.
For Julian, the mission is personal. His journey began at the Marietta Civic Center Boys & Girls Club, where his passion for technology first took root. “As a kid who could effortlessly connect any piece of tech, I never imagined that these skills could lead to a career,” Julian recalled. Now, through Cxmmunity, he’s not just playing games — he’s paving the way for the next generation of tech-savvy teens.
Creating Opportunities
Cxmmunity is all about turning a love for gaming into real-world success. Their programs help teens explore careers in the fast-growing esports industry while building essential life skills. From video game development to broadcast production and entrepreneurship, these hands-on experiences equip teens to thrive in the gaming industry and wherever their ambitions take them.
Denise Moore, who heads up the educational side of the program, knows how important it is to introduce these paths early. Her journey with Boys & Girls Clubs started in high school when her mom signed her up for the Club’s homework tutoring program. “I wasn’t focused on my grades, so she put me in the Boys & Girls Club,” remembered Denise. That experience turned things around for her academically and sparked a passion for education. Today, Denise channels her passion for gaming into inspiring students, showing them career options they might not have considered before.
The Power of Community
Community has always been the heartbeat of Boys & Girls Clubs, and Cxmmunity carries that pulse forward — after all, it’s right there in the name! Jay understands the impact of finding a supportive environment. As an only child, he often felt isolated until he found a sense of belonging at his local Club. “Being at the Boys & Girls Club taught me the importance of connection,” he shared. His experiences there fueled his passion for content creation and connecting people, which he now uses to help teens build supportive networks through gaming.
“When you find a community that believes in you, it changes everything,” added Jay. This belief is at the core of Boys & Girls Clubs, where 93% of Club youth say that adults at the Club believe they will be a success. Through strong mentorship, nurturing relationships, and creating a safe place for self-expression, we’re helping young people develop the confidence they need to pursue their passions and thrive in the esports industry and beyond.
Tips for Parents: Supporting Your Gamer’s Future
As esports and gaming continue to grow, many parents might wonder how they can best support their child’s interest in gaming. Here are a few tips for parents:
- Stay Involved: Understand the games your child is playing and talk to them about what they enjoy. This helps you stay connected and spot potential learning opportunities.
- Encourage Balance: While gaming can be educational, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance with other activities like schoolwork, physical exercise and social interactions.
- Explore Career Paths: Help your child see gaming as more than just a hobby. Discuss the different career opportunities in the gaming industry, such as game development, graphic design, and esports management.
- Set Limits: Ensure that gaming fits into a well-rounded daily schedule. Set boundaries on screen time to encourage a variety of activities.
By taking an active role in their child’s gaming interests, parents can help foster their growth and guide them toward success.
The Path from Gamer to Game-Changer Starts Here
Whether it’s through our esports programs, STEM initiatives, or career exploration activities, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is committed to providing teens with the tools they need to level up in life. Our Life & Workforce Readiness programs offer essential skill development and real-life work experiences that empower our youth to shape their futures. The next generation of game-changers is already here, and with the right support and guidance, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
Sources
1 About Cxmmunity – https://www.cxmmunityfoundation.org/about
2 2022 National Outcomes Report – https://www.bgca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2022-NYOI_National_Outcomes_Report_WEB.pdf
