Nation-Leading Launch: Eta Nu Education Foundation to Unveil the First UGC + AI & Esports Academy Center of Excellence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2025

Media Contact:
Whitney Rawls
Director of Public Relations
Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
etanuques1969@gmail.com
(954) 408-2230

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 – The Eta Nu Education Foundation, Inc., 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.

“As a son of Pompano Beach who built a career in technology and entrepreneurship—and as a lifelong advocate for youth—I am profoundly proud to help launch our nation’s first UGC + AI & Esports Academy,” said Harry B. Harrell, Sr., Chairman of the Eta Nu Education Foundation. “Together with the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc., we built our educational facility through grit and community partnerships, driven by a vision to better serve the needs of our community.

Originally, we established an African American resource center to educate our youth about their past so they could be better prepared for their future. Today, we have reimagined and digitally upgraded that center—harnessing the power of esports and artificial intelligence to create new pathways that will transform lives and neighborhoods.

Our unwavering commitment is to uplift underserved youth through education and public service. This initiative—made possible through our partnership with the Reimagine Education Innovation Institute (REII) Center of Excellence and their global network of strategic partners—is a true testament to our creed, ‘Lifting as We Climb.’ It ensures that no young person will be left behind, regardless of their socioeconomic status.”

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.

“We are not just announcing a program – we are igniting a movement,” said Dr. Isiah Reese, CEO & Co‑Founder of AperionGlobalInstitute.com and Blaze Fire Games. “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 learner – particularly Black and minority youth – gains the skills, mentorship, and credentials needed to lead in the fastest‑growing sectors on the planet.”

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 Black 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: Black 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.

●    Nonprofits & Youth Organizations:
Partnering with AMIkids-inspired trauma-responsive programs, the COE integrates mental health supports, family engagement, and service-learning projects, ensuring holistic development for justice-involved and trauma-affected youth.

Call to Action

Educational institutions, workforce agencies, foundations, and employers are invited to become Founding Partners of the Blaze Fire Games UGC + AI & Esports Academy COE. Schedule a Zoom or in-person meeting within the next two weeks to discuss how this turnkey model can be adapted for your district, college, or community organization. To arrange a meeting, please contact Dr. Isiah Reese directly or provide your scheduler’s information.

Together, we will erase the digital divide, reimagine workforce readiness, and empower the next generation of digital innovators.