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NXT GAMING CENTER

"NxtGen Gaming Youth Program provides free gaming, tournaments, and workshops for 300 kids year-round, keeping them off the streets while teaching them how to make money from gaming and gain job skills."
February 5×5 Night
Voting Closes:

February 17, 2025 11:59 pm

About this idea
The NxtGen Gaming Youth Program is all about giving 300 kids a safe place to play, learn, and build a future through gaming. A lot of kids, especially ones dealing with ADHD and anxiety, struggle to interact and build social skills. Gaming helps break that barrier. Instead of being out on the streets or stuck feeling like they don’t fit in, they can come here, connect with others, and be part of something positive. On certain days, they can come in and play for free, stay out of trouble, and just be kids. We’re running tournaments where they can win prizes and actually have something to look forward to. We’re also teaching workshops on how to stream and make money from gaming, because too many people still think gaming is just a hobby when it can be a real career. And we’re not stopping there. We’re training and hiring young people to work in our gaming center, giving them real job skills and a chance to learn responsibility. But the biggest opportunity? They will get a shot at being part of our professional gaming team. We’ll train them, get them tournament-ready, and take them on trips to compete in different states at huge events with thousands of gamers. This is their chance to experience gaming on a whole different level. This program is year-round because these kids need consistent opportunities, not just something temporary. This is bigger than just playing games. It’s about keeping kids off the streets, giving them real opportunities, and helping them build confidence and social skills through something they already love.
Impact
The impact of the NxtGen Gaming Youth Program is about more than just playing games. We are keeping 300 kids off the streets and giving them a safe space to grow, learn, and build a future. Youth struggling with ADHD, anxiety, and social skills finally have a place where they fit in, connect with others, and gain confidence. We are teaching real skills like streaming, content creation, and how to make money from gaming. We are creating jobs by hiring youth to work in our gaming center, helping them gain experience and responsibility. The biggest impact comes from our pro gaming team, where we train youth and take them to major events across the country. This gives them exposure, opportunities, and the chance to see gaming as more than a hobby. This program is changing lives, keeping kids safe, and opening doors they never thought possible.
What I'll do with $5,000
With $5,000, we will cover 300 youth in the program, making sure they have everything they need to succeed. Food will be provided so they can enjoy a safe space without worrying about a meal. We will also provide transportation when needed so no kid misses out due to lack of access. A portion of the funding will be used for a trip to a major gaming event, exposing them to the real opportunities in the gaming industry. They will see firsthand how gaming is bigger than just playing—it’s a career, a business, and a future. We will also provide stipends for youth to work and intern at the center, helping with day-to-day operations and keeping the space clean. This teaches responsibility, job skills, and gives them hands-on experience in a professional gaming environment.
Quick Bio
Tashaun Williams is an 18-year-old entrepreneur from Grand Rapids who turned his passion for gaming into a mission to change lives.
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