Leveling Up: Life Remodeled Launches First-Ever Esports Program at Denby High School

At Life Remodeled, we believe in building brighter futures—by meeting students where they are and guiding them toward where they want to go. In today’s world, that means embracing the power of technology, innovation, and gaming to open new doors. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our first-ever Esports program, set to launch at Detroit’s Edwin Denby High School in the Fall of 2025!

This exciting initiative is more than just a game. It’s a powerful educational pathway into the world of technology, digital media, and post-secondary success—one that’s already sparking enthusiasm from students, educators, and tech leaders alike.

To kick things off, two of our changemakers—Stepha’N Quickey, Life Remodeled’s Director of Youth and Community Engagement, and Jenna Savage, our Youth Tech & Esports Navigator—traveled to Anaheim, California to attend the Extron Esports Summit on June 2–3. There, they joined national thought leaders to explore the cutting edge of scholastic esports and the rapidly growing role of A/V technology in education.

“Attending the Extron Esports Summit was an eye-opening experience,” said Jenna. “What sets our program apart is the integration of technology education and career development alongside our competitive Esports team. We’re not just preparing students to play—we’re preparing them to lead in the digital economy.”

Stepha’N echoed the excitement:

“From best practices in student recruitment and retention to lab design and funding strategies, the summit offered valuable insights across the educational spectrum. It confirmed that our vision is timely, relevant, and deeply needed in Detroit.”

The summit included expert panels, hands-on workshops, and live demonstrations of high-performance Esports facilities—tools our team will use to bring cutting-edge tech opportunities to Denby students. Joining them was Korran “Ms. Que” Whittake, Denby High’s Lead School Culture Facilitator, who will play a key role in implementing the program on campus.

Why Esports? Why Now?

The Esports industry has exploded in recent years, with over 175 colleges and universities now offering scholarships for Esports athletes, and a global market expected to surpass $6 billion by 2030. But beyond the headlines and high scores, Esports offers something deeper:

• 21st Century Skills: Students learn communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving—all within an engaging, team-based environment.

• Career Exploration: From game design to streaming, IT support to event planning, the Esports ecosystem is a launchpad into careers in tech, media, and beyond.

• College and Career Readiness: Programs like ours will prepare students to transition smoothly into higher education and industry pathways, often with scholarship support and real-world exposure.

At Life Remodeled, we’re committed to giving Detroit students access to these transformational experiences—especially in communities that have been historically underserved by tech-focused initiatives.

What’s Next?

Our pilot Esports program at Denby will include:

🎮 A Competitive Esports Team — where students will build strategy, teamwork, and resilience
💻 Tech Education — integrated courses and hands-on learning in IT, hardware, and digital media
📈 College & Career Readiness — with guest speakers, mentoring, and pathways to internships and certifications
🌐 Industry Partnerships — connecting students directly to college programs and Esports industry leaders

“Our team made meaningful connections with K–12 and collegiate Esports leaders,” said Stepha’N. “We’re excited to bring those insights and relationships back to Denby—equipping students with skills and exposure that will change their futures.”

This Is Just the Beginning

As we prepare to launch in Fall 2025, we’re calling on partners, educators, and champions of youth to join us in shaping the next generation of Detroit tech leaders. The Esports lab at Denby High School will be more than a place to play—it will be a gateway to opportunity, and a model for what equitable, innovative education can look like.

Because at Life Remodeled, we don’t just build programs—we build pathways.
And Denby students are about to level up.

Want to Get Involved?

If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring, mentoring, or supporting the Denby Esports program, reach out to us at info@liferemodeled.org.

Game on. The future is here—and it’s being built in Detroit.