CHARLOTTE, N.C. — December 1, 2025 — Brightspeed, the nation’s third-largest fiber builder, and Stay Plugged In, a leading Esports organization focused on educational and career pathways for high school students, are proud to announce Orange High School as the winner of the Fall 2025 Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab Contest — a statewide initiative empowering students through the fusion of STEM learning and esports innovation.
The Bright Future Tech Lab Contest, developed by Brightspeed and Stay Plugged In, was designed to bridge the digital divide and equip schools with the tools to prepare students for future-ready careers in technology, engineering, and digital media. This fall’s contest brought together dozens of schools across North Carolina, each presenting creative, AI-powered virtual lab concepts showcasing how technology can transform their communities.
Orange High School impressed the judges with its forward-thinking vision, creative use of technology, and emphasis on inclusion and community engagement. Their submission stood out for its detailed plan to utilize the lab as a hub for STEM learning, esports competition, and digital creativity, inspiring students to explore new career pathways in gaming, broadcasting, and technology.
“The passion and creativity from all of this year’s participants were truly inspiring,” said Brian Littleton, manager of local marketing at Brightspeed. “Orange High School’s proposal exemplified what the Bright Future Tech Lab Contest is all about — empowering students to dream big, explore STEM, and build skills that will shape the workforce of tomorrow.”
The winning school will receive a fully equipped, state-of-the-art tech lab, featuring high-performance gaming PCs, advanced tools for Esports, design, and digital production. The new Bright Future Tech Lab will provide hands-on learning experiences that connect students to careers in science, technology, and media
“We’re honored to partner with Brightspeed to make these opportunities a reality for students,” said Richard Suarez, Managing Director of Stay Plugged In. “Programs like this show how esports can become a powerful gateway to STEM learning and career discovery, giving students a platform to turn their passions into real-world opportunities.”
The Fall 2025 contest marks the second installment of the Bright Future Tech Lab initiative, following the success of Triton High School, the inaugural winner whose lab opened earlier this year. Brightspeed and Stay Plugged In continue to expand this mission, reaching more communities and sparking innovation in classrooms across North Carolina.
“This contest brings technology to life,” said Brian Ewbank, teacher of engineering & mathematics at Orange High School. “Our students are eager to learn, create, and compete — and now, with the support of Brightspeed and Stay Plugged In, we can turn those dreams into opportunities.”
Brightspeed remains committed to closing the digital gap and building stronger, more connected communities by supporting educational programs that foster innovation and access for the next generation of creators and leaders.
To learn more about the Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab Contest or check fiber availability in your area, visit brightfuture.staypluggedin.com orbrightspeed.com
About Brightspeed Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our nearly 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com.
Media Contact Public Relations pr@brightspeed.com
About Stay Plugged In Stay Plugged In is dedicated to creating educational and career opportunities for students through esports, CTE, and STEM programs. Established in 2020, Stay Plugged In has been named the leading esports recruiting platform in the U.S. for three consecutive years, generating more than $40 million in scholarship benefits for its student members. The organization fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for students of all levels – empowering growth, learning and community through gaming.
Media Contact: Public Relations info@staypluggedin.com