Brightspeed Expands STEM Outreach with Second North Carolina Tech Lab

Event summary

  • Brightspeed unveiled its second Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab at Orange High School in North Carolina on February 25, 2026.
  • The lab includes high-performance gaming PCs, Esports tools, and digital production equipment to foster STEM interest.
  • Orange High School won a statewide contest launched in fall 2025, beating dozens of schools with AI-powered concepts.
  • Brightspeed Fiber Internet is available to over 780,000 families and businesses in North Carolina, with expansion ongoing.

The big picture

Brightspeed's investment in STEM-focused tech labs aligns with its broader mission to bridge the digital divide and foster future tech talent. As the third-largest fiber broadband builder in the U.S., the company is strategically positioning itself as a community-focused provider, differentiating itself in a competitive market. This initiative also underscores the growing intersection of education and technology infrastructure.

What we're watching

Expansion Strategy
How Brightspeed will leverage this initiative to strengthen its brand and community presence in North Carolina.
STEM Pipeline
Whether these labs will effectively create a talent pipeline for tech and gaming industries.
Contest Scalability
The pace at which Brightspeed can replicate this model in other states beyond North Carolina.