AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 15, 2022) – On Monday, March 13, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of its new HP Gaming Lounge and esports program. Located at BGCAA’s Home Club on the Sheth Family Campus, the HP Gaming Lounge is fully outfitted with top-of-the-line HP gaming computers and peripherals designed to create an immersive and engaging gaming experience for BGCAA youth.

“The addition of esports to BGCAA’s programming lineup provides an accessible and inclusive way to engage our youth, including fantastic opportunities for team building, sportsmanship, leadership, and reinforcing good character,” said BGCAA CEO Gordon Butler. “The Lounge also provides an innovative, fun and safe place for all Club kids to come together and play.”

Stephanie Dismore, who leads BGCAA’s Board as Board Chair and is the Senior Vice President and Managing Director, North America at HP Inc., was in attendance for this special occasion, alongside AISD Prime Time Administrative Supervisor Dr. Brett Lee. During the ribbon cutting, Dismore shared about the significance of HP and BGCAA’s partnership, the overarching vision for the Lounge and the invaluable impact it will have on Club Youth now and in the future.

“The BGCAA serves approximately 3,000 kids across Greater Austin, providing them with a safe place to call home after school,” Dismore said. “The new HP Gaming Lounge offers Club kids a unique and fun program offering to help fuel a passion for technology with gaming experiences that improve cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and strategic decision-making.”

The impact of this project is greater than the Austin community – as the project is already being replicated to provide a similar experience in other areas across the country, including BGC Uvalde, Texas.