#United States #Charlotte #Brightspeed #Tech Lab #Stay Plugged In

Brightspeed and Stay Plugged In Revolutionize Educational Technology

Brightspeed, recognized as the third-largest fiber broadband builder in the nation, has joined forces with Stay Plugged In, an influential organization in the esports recruiting sphere, to launch an exciting initiative— the Bright Future Tech Lab Contest. Announced on August 28, 2025, this competition aims to create a lasting impact on the educational landscape for public high schools in North Carolina.

What to Expect from the Tech Lab Contest

This innovative contest, the second collaborative effort between Brightspeed and Stay Plugged In, seeks to award one fortunate high school a fully equipped technology laboratory. This laboratory will contain cutting-edge computers, state-of-the-art gaming gear, and modern furniture designed to inspire and foster creativity and innovation among students. The goal is to prepare high schoolers for the challenges of a career in a world increasingly dominated by technology.

As Tali Kulbeda, head of local marketing at Brightspeed, emphasizes, this contest is not just another program; it represents a strategic move toward redefining how students gear up for success in a digital world. “By marrying our robust fiber broadband services with cutting-edge esports, digital education, and advanced tech resources, we aim to empower schools to unlock a myriad of opportunities for learning and leadership,” she states.

Contest Details and Participation

Public high schools within Brightspeed's service areas in North Carolina can take part in the contest by registering on the official contest website. Schools will need to engage their local communities via social media to collect points throughout the competition. Participants are encouraged to use the hashtag #BrightFutureContest, showcasing their school spirit alongside tagging both Brightspeed and Stay Plugged In.

The competition timeline is set, with the top three finalists to be announced on October 13, 2025. Schools eager to win should strategize their social media engagement to create buzz around their participation.

The Winning Prize

The contest winner will receive more than just a standard technology lab. The custom-designed facility will include:

• - High-powered gaming PCs and consoles
• - Access to Stay Plugged In’s college recruiting portal
• - STEM-focused, project-based learning curricula
• - Additional resources supporting technology education and digital literacy

Rick Suarez, Managing Director of Stay Plugged In, highlights the transformative power of technology and digital learning in education. “We believe that technology and esports are not solely platforms for competition; they are gateways to education and community development. Partnering with Brightspeed creates unprecedented opportunities for students to gain pivotal skills and experiences that lead to prosperous futures.”

About the Organizations

Brightspeed is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., with expansive operations across 20 states, providing broadband and telecommunications to over 7.3 million homes and businesses. The organization is dedicated to constructing a future where communities enjoy enhanced connectivity, facilitated by a contemporary fiber network and unparalleled customer experiences.

On the other hand, Stay Plugged In focuses on creating educational and career pathways through esports, CTE, and STEM initiatives. Founded in 2020, this organization has rapidly emerged as the leading esports recruiting platform in the U.S., generating substantial scholarship benefits for students, surpassing $40 million in financial aid. Stay Plugged In aims to cultivate an inclusive environment conducive to student growth, learning, and community involvement through gaming.

The Bright Future Tech Lab Contest promises not only to provide essential technological resources to a deserving high school but also to inspire a new generation of leaders prepared to thrive in a tech-driven society. For more information about the contest and how to enter, please visit Bright Future Tech Lab Contest.