#United States #Hillsborough #STEM Education #Brightspeed #Orange High School

Orange High School Celebrates the Launch of the Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab

Orange High School has recently taken a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities for its students by proudly unveiling the Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab. This state-of-the-art facility, part of a collaboration with Brightspeed, marks a milestone for the Hillsborough community and is set to transform how students interact with technology.

The Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab's launch was celebrated with a grand ceremony attended by school officials, students, and community members. This fascinating lab is equipped with high-performance gaming computers, advanced esports tools, and innovative design and digital production equipment aimed at sparking students' interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. The lab represents a joyful fusion of education and technology, creating a nurturing environment for students to explore their creativity.

The establishment of the lab follows Brightspeed’s statewide contest initiated in the fall of 2025, which invited high schools across North Carolina to submit proposals for their own tech labs. The competition was fierce, with numerous schools showcasing visionary and tech-savvy plans. However, Orange High School distinguished itself with its imaginative design, commitment to inclusivity, and comprehensive utilization of technology. Brian Ewbank, a teacher at Orange High School, expressed optimism about the lab's potential, stating, "This new, future-forward tech lab is going to open many doors for our kids – a safe space where creativity, technology, and teamwork all come together."

The Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab Contest is part of Brightspeed's larger mission to close the digital divide by providing quality internet service and technology access to various communities. Currently, Brightspeed's fiber internet is available to over 780,000 families and businesses in North Carolina, continually expanding its reach in the coming months. Steve Brewer, Government Affairs Director at Brightspeed, emphasized the importance of the lab in creating opportunities for future leaders, stating, "Fast, reliable internet isn't just about convenience; it's about creating opportunities for future generations."

In addition to its technological impact, the lab also represents a continued collaboration with Stay Plugged In, a leading organization dedicated to providing educational and career opportunities for high school students. Jeffrey Zajac, Chief Strategy Officer at Stay Plugged In, stated, "At Stay Plugged In, we are thrilled to advance our partnership with Brightspeed in delivering this state-of-the-art technology lab to reinforce our commitment to student opportunities."

The introduction of the Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab promises to inspire a new generation of students, guiding them towards exciting career pathways in fields such as gaming, broadcasting, and technology. Brightspeed’s earlier initiative in this domain was successfully executed in 2025 when Triton High School in Erwin was awarded the first lab, further establishing a precedent of innovation in North Carolina schools.

As Orange High School turns this vision into reality, the lab stands not only as a technological hub but also as a beacon for dreams and creativity, illustrating the potential of connecting education with the necessary tools for the digital age. It embodies a community spirit where education, technology, and collaborative learning converge, paving the way for future opportunities that empower students to explore their passions and ambitions. Through such initiatives, communities can cultivate talent and enthusiasm that will drive innovation and progress in the years to come.