The Penny Games
2026 HBCU DEBATE+ ESPORTS INVITATIONAL
Parliamentary-style competition hosted in Birmingham City Schools, culminating in a championship final. Students research policy questions, argue in timed rounds, and respond to live rebuttals from opposing teams.
Team-based competition with live streaming and structured brackets. Students compete in a professional environment while building collaboration, strategy, and digital production experience.
Students analyze real civic or corporate challenges and present recommendations to executives and city leaders. Judges evaluate clarity, feasibility, and financial reasoning.
Hands-on technical challenge where students identify vulnerabilities and defend simulated systems. Designed to introduce pathways into cybersecurity and STEM careers.
Employers conduct interviews, share internship pathways, and connect with students before senior-year recruiting cycles.
Citywide kickoff with music, mixers, and special guests.
Local High Schools (Debate)
Parliamentary format; 16 HBCU teams compete across multiple rooms.
Live play-by-play with caster desk; spectators welcome.
Final Debate
Thank you to our official sponsors and partners! For more information on how you can become a sponsor or partner email us at hbcu@pennyfoundation.org
“The Penny Games is an exciting initiative—it’s a win-win for everyone involved. College students have the opportunity to compete in their respective fields. High school students will be exposed to colleges. The Birmingham metro area can connect with and recruit talent for our job markets. The City of Birmingham has the opportunity to share our story. We view The Penny Games as a necessary and needed investment in our city.”

Sponsor/Partner
“At Cxmmunity, we see esports as a gateway to the broader innovation economy. Partnering with The Penny Foundation gives HBCU students a real-time stage to turn gaming aptitude into career-ready skills, and that alignment is exactly what excites us.”
News, special announcement, press releases and more.
Oct 1–3, 2025.
Top HBCU debate teams and collegiate esports players from across the country.
Tickets will be available on the site.
Debate teams can email hbcu@pennyfoundation.org. Esports registration will is available through Cxmmunity.
Yes—email hbcu@pennyfoundation.org
Yes—both debate and esports finals will be livestreamed. Details will be posted in News & Updates closer to the event.
To Donate click one of the donate buttons on this page or click here.
hbcu@pennyfoundation.org
(205) 530-2238
The Penny Foundation Inc.
© Copyright 2025. All Right Reserved
Lyord Watson jr.
Founder & CEO