🎓 Contender Esports Pixel Bang Academy
The Contender Esports Pixel Bang Academy is our structured learning and development program designed to turn a passion for gaming into real-world skills. Through guided instruction, hands-on projects, and team-based challenges, students build confidence, creativity, and technical literacy—while having fun in a safe, supervised environment.
Our Academy bridges gaming, STEM education, and esports fundamentals, preparing students not just to play—but to create, think, and lead.
Core Learning Pillars
- STEM & Digital Literacy
Coding logic, problem-solving, systems thinking, and applied technology. - Game-Based Learning
Using platforms like Minecraft Education to teach collaboration, design, and computational thinking. - Esports Foundations
Teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, strategy, and healthy competition. - Creative & Technical Skills
Introductory game design, hardware basics, and digital creation workflows.
Academy programs rotate throughout the year and may include:
- After-School Enrichment (Weekday afternoons)
- STEM & Gaming Camps (School breaks & summer)
- Intro to Coding & Game Design
- Robotics & Maker-Style Workshops
- Esports Skill & Team Development Clinics
- Instructor-led sessions with structured lesson plans
- Small group sizes for individualized attention
- High-end gaming PCs, consoles, and classroom space
- Emphasis on safety, inclusivity, and positive behavior
- Screen time is purpose-driven, not passive
- Ages 7–13 (program-specific ranges may vary)
- Students interested in gaming, technology, or esports
- Beginners welcome — no prior experience required
Whether your child loves Minecraft, is curious about coding, or wants to learn how esports teams really work, the Academy meets them where they are.
- Education-first, engagement-driven programs
- Builds transferable skills beyond gaming
- Encourages teamwork, confidence, and creativity
- Community-focused and locally operated
- Hosted inside a professional esports facility
Academy programs run on a limited-seat basis and are announced seasonally.
🎓 Pixel Bang Programs
Structured enrichment beyond the school day
Format: After-school blocks, school partnerships, community programs
These programs are designed to:
- Support working families
- Provide positive, supervised environments
- Reinforce teamwork and social skills
- Offer meaningful alternatives to unstructured screen time
2026 Schedule
| Cohort | Program Dates | Enrollment Opens | Enrollment Cutoff | Roster Lock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Jan 6 – Apr 3 | Nov 10 (prior year) | Dec 12 | Dec 19 |
| Spring | Apr 13 – Jul 3 | Feb 2 | Mar 13 | Mar 20 |
| Fall | Sep 14 – Dec 11 | Jun 15 | Aug 14 | Aug 21 |
| Optional Mini | Oct 19 – Dec 11 | Aug 24 | Sep 25 | Oct 2 |
Focused learning during school breaks
Format: Summer camps, break camps, short-term intensives
Camps may focus on:
- Esports fundamentals
- STEM exploration
- Team challenges
- Confidence and communication building
All camps are:
- Instructor-led
- Age-appropriate
- Structured for learning and fun
A seasonal, coach-led youth esports league
Ages: 7–15 (public programs)
Format: Seasonal enrollment, weekly practices
Focus: Teamwork, communication, confidence, composure
We teach students how to:
- Work together in teams
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
- Handle wins and losses with maturity
- Build confidence in structured environments
Programs include:
- 🟢 Junior Academy (Ages 7–10)
Foundations & confidence - 🔵 Core Academy (Ages 11–15)
Team play & development - 🔴 Prime Program (Invite-Only)
Advanced leadership & competition