Orange High School Unveils State-of-the-Art Tech Lab, Signaling a New Era for Student Learning

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. – February 26, 2026 – The sounds of excitement filled the halls of Orange High School on Wednesday as students, faculty, and community leaders gathered for the official unveiling of the Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of a months-long statewide competition that saw the Hillsborough school emerge victorious, securing a cutting-edge facility designed to propel students into the future of technology and STEM careers.

The lab is the grand prize from a contest hosted by Charlotte-based fiber broadband provider Brightspeed, in partnership with the esports recruiting organization Stay Plugged In. It represents a significant investment not just in hardware, but in the potential of North Carolina's students.

A Blueprint for the Future of Education

Stepping into the newly transformed classroom, the term “computer lab” feels like an understatement. The space is equipped with an array of high-performance gaming PCs, advanced tools for esports competition, and a suite of software for digital design and production. It’s a vibrant hub designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.

For Orange High School, the lab is a strategic asset. The school’s winning proposal was lauded by judges for its forward-thinking vision, creative integration of technology, and a strong emphasis on inclusion. The plan detailed how the lab would become a central point for STEM learning, competitive esports, and digital creativity, serving a diverse student body.

"This new, future-forward tech lab is going to open so many doors for our kids – a safe space where creativity, technology and teamwork all come together," said Brian Ewbank, a teacher of engineering and project management at Orange High School. Ewbank noted the profound impact of seeing students engage with professional-grade tools. "Watching our students light up when they realize they can turn their ideas into real projects is what teaching is all about. We're so grateful to be part of a community that supports innovation and believes in giving students the tools to dream big."

The facility is intended to move learning beyond traditional methods, using the immense popularity of gaming and digital media as a gateway to complex technical skills in broadcasting, game design, programming, and project management.

Winning the Future: A Contest of Creativity and Community

The journey to Wednesday's celebration was a testament to the school's commitment and community spirit. The second annual Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab Contest was open to public high schools across the company's North Carolina service areas. The competition was structured to encourage widespread engagement, moving beyond a simple application process.

Schools earned points by mobilizing their communities on social media, using the hashtag #BrightFutureContest and sharing unique links to drive awareness. This phase tested not only a school's desire for the lab but also its ability to rally support.

The most innovative part of the contest was the final round. The top three finalists were given access to AI tools and professional tutorials, tasking them with creating a virtual pitch. This AI Challenge required schools to demonstrate both their vision for the lab and their ability to embrace emerging technologies—a skill set the lab itself is designed to foster. Orange High School’s submission ultimately stood out, impressing the judges from Brightspeed and Stay Plugged In with its detailed and inclusive plan.

More Than Just Internet: Bridging the Digital Divide

For Brightspeed, the nation's third-largest fiber broadband builder, the tech lab initiative is a core component of its mission to do more than just provide internet access. The company is in the midst of an ambitious multi-year project to build out its fiber optic network, which currently reaches over 780,000 homes and businesses in North Carolina. However, company leaders stress that bridging the digital divide requires more than infrastructure.

"This Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab Contest represented a shared mission to empower the next group of leaders with access to the skills, tools and connectivity they need to thrive in today's digital world," explained Steve Brewer, Government Affairs Director at Brightspeed. "Fast, reliable internet isn't just about convenience; it's about creating opportunities for future generations."

By investing directly in educational resources within its service areas, the company aims to ensure that the communities gaining access to high-speed internet also have the skills to leverage it for economic and educational advancement. This initiative serves as a tangible example of corporate social responsibility that directly addresses workforce development and digital equity.

The Power of Partnership: Cultivating Talent Through Esports

The strategic collaboration with Stay Plugged In is crucial to the program's success. As a leading recruiting organization, Stay Plugged In specializes in connecting student gamers with college scholarships and career opportunities. Their involvement ensures the lab is not an isolated resource but a direct link to higher education and professional pathways.

"At Stay Plugged In, we are excited to take another leap forward in our partnership with Brightspeed by delivering our second state-of-the-art technology lab to reinforce our commitment to providing educational and career opportunities for students," said Jeffrey Zajac, Chief Strategy Officer at Stay Plugged In. He highlighted why Orange High School was a deserving winner: "Ultimately, Orange High School's 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."

As part of the prize, Orange High School gains access to Stay Plugged In's college recruiting portal, giving its students a powerful advantage in navigating the burgeoning world of collegiate esports.

This marks the second such lab awarded in the state; Triton High School in Erwin celebrated the opening of its own lab in the spring of 2025. The success of the program in two different communities establishes a powerful blueprint for how public-private partnerships can effectively modernize education and create tangible opportunities for the next generation.