Facility is a free resource for Tampa area students, living in underserved communities exploring esports, production, and game development careers. These centers additionally have become resources for social distance virtual learning for students in need of computers and wifi connection. In addition 20 refurbished gaming computer systems have been donated to youth living in Tampa that do not currently have computers in their homes to support their stay at home learning.
Tampa, FL — January, 30th, 2021 — In their third decade of giving back to the community, the Forever Young Foundation Steve Young and Jerry Rice with their partners the NFL Foundation, and The Skills Center have landed on an amazing location for our newest 8 to 80 Zone esports arena. The esports arena will be a free resource to underserved students who want to learn and compete with their peers in their community and across the globe.
8 to 80 zones are a collaboration between NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback and Founder of the Forever Young Foundation Steve Young and NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Jerry Rice. These Zones create access to state-of-the-art gaming technology and levels the competitive esports playing field for youth in underserved communities. Allowing them to compete on industry leading equipment partnered with training from professional mentors across the country.
“Jerry and I believe that parents of youth who are passionate about gaming should take time to understand the learning potential and opportunities that esports brings,” said Steve Young. “Gaming and the competitive esports world provides a stepping stone into coding, publishing, and mass media art. We as parents should embrace this.”
“The NFL Foundation is proud to support Steve and Jerry in this venture that will provide a multitude of opportunities for students in both esports and STEM,” said Alexia Gallagher, the NFL’s Vice President of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. “ We know the 8 to 80 esports arena will positively impact youth in the Florida community for years to come.”
In addition, the space is a classroom that provides students with hands-on training in broadcast production, online streaming, audio engineering, video editing, and game development. These centers have evolved into much needed resources for a world that requires virtual learning and social distancing. We have added elements of online classroom tutorials and learning opportunities for educators to support the virtual learning mandated due to COVID 19.
Forever Young Foundation
Founded in 1993 by NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young, Forever Young Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on passing on hope and resources for the development, strength, and education of children. The Foundation’s development projects include 8 to 80 Zones, a collaboration between Steve Young and Jerry Rice to provide youth living in underserved communities the skills to pursue careers in technology and media. The 8 to 80 Multi-Media Zone not only allows for artistic expression but also affords students the opportunity to gain training on industry-standard equipment and software in the areas of coding, graphic design, game design, and broadcasting.
NFL Foundation
The National Football League Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation represents the 32 NFL clubs and supports the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities that support our game. For more information on The NFL Foundation, visit: www.NFLFoundation.org.
The Skills Center
The mission of The Skills Center is to intentionally utilize athletics as the mechanism to create change through academic success, life skills and mentoring for young people ages 3-18 in Tampa Bay. The Skills Center provides school-based and community-based programs that motivate youth to learn, change behavior and succeed in school. Focusing on developing core competencies through academic instruction and character education, the organization’s prevention services promote positive youth development to all youth, especially at-risk and disadvantaged elementary, middle and high school students through school day, after school and summer programs; leagues, travel teams and camps/clinics.
Ozi from OzTalksHW (Oz Talks Hardware)
Ozi teaches you how to save money when building computers. As someone from a frugal household, Ozi understands how difficult it is to stay in touch with technology without a big budget. After building his first computer in 2011, he wanted to share his love for computers and give computer building tips for those in lower socio-economic positions. From $25 gaming computers to high end $1,000 machines, Ozi’s goal is to ensure your money is well spent and provide opportunities for households who cannot afford computers themselves.