By Elbi Elm, Director of Communications & Philanthropy, The Penny Foundation

This October in Birmingham, The Penny Foundation will host the second annual HBCU Debate

+ Gaming Tournament—a multi-day experience that brings together a national debate tournament, live esports competition, and immersive college and career fair. The program will convene more than 16 Historically Black Colleges and Universities; hundreds of

Birmingham-area high school students; and over 100 employers and institutions. It reflects a different kind of approach—one that meets students where they are and builds with them, using culture, competition, and community as the throughline.

When my millennial peers and I entered the workforce in 2008, the economy had just collapsed. Student debt was surging. Most of us took whatever job we could find—whether or not it aligned with our degrees or aspirations. Perks weren’t expected. Stability was a luxury. We didn’t yet have the awareness to ask for more. That moment shaped us, but it’s not the one students are walking into today.

They’re drawn to opportunities that reflect how they want to live—not just how they want to earn. It offers employers a chance to engage directly with emerging talent—adding fresh perspective to how recruitment and retention strategies take shape.

In recent months, much has been written about the so-called “silver wave”—the surge of retirements leaving critical gaps across industries. But what’s often overlooked is the readiness of those rising to meet the moment. Gen Z isn’t on the horizon—they’re already here. They’re observant and equipped—and closely watching where opportunity is built with intention, not assumption. They’re setting the pace.

This generation has come of age through crisis: a global pandemic, political unrest, economic volatility, and a digital landscape that’s outpaced most institutions. And yet, they’ve emerged discerning, adaptable, and deeply values-driven. They are perfect for the times they are living in—bringing fresh clarity and conviction to systems now being reimagined.

At The Penny Foundation, we focus on long-term, community-rooted solutions that connect education, workforce development, and sustainable economic growth. The HBCU Debate + Gaming Tournament is a direct extension of that mission. “Too often we talk about talent in the abstract,” said Lyord Watson Jr., Executive Director of The Penny Foundation. “We built this tournament to show what’s possible when students are not just prepared—but platformed.”

Hosted in one of the youngest metro populations in the South—and recently ranked by The Wall Street Journal as a top-five U.S. city for young adults—the tournament pairs the intellectual rigor of debate with the strategic fluency of esports. Students gain hands-on experience in career readiness, engage directly with employers and mentors, and explore professional pathways in real time—navigating several days of culture, competition, and connection in a space that reflects their ambition and voice.

Debate rounds take place at local high schools. Esports matches are hosted at Miles College. The HBCU esports and college fair unfolds at Topgolf, where conversations with recruiters unfold over food, swing practice, and a DJ-hosted live stream. It all culminates with a plated breakfast and final debate round at the BJCC—followed by a career expo that brings students face-to-face with real opportunity. It’s strategy meets style, showing us all how career and culture can move together.

As a workforce strategy, the design is intentional:

• Debate participants are five times more likely to pursue careers in law, business, or policy (NAUDL).
• Esports is projected to reach $1.87 billion in value by 2025, with growing demand for content creators, strategists, and tech talent (Newzoo).
• 77% of Gen Z seeks employers aligned with purpose and social impact—not just salary (Deloitte).

This work doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s supported by the City of Birmingham and community builders like Cxmmunity, HBCU Cares, The Alabama Collective, and local educators who recognized that visibility and connection go hand in hand. It takes shared vision to create lasting change.

“At Cxmmunity, we see esports as a gateway to the broader innovation economy,” said Julian Fitzgerald, Executive Director of The Cxmmunity Foundation. “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.”

The Penny Games is Birmingham’s proof of concept—where economic mobility and culture move in sync. For leaders focused on retention, inclusion, and growth, it offers a tangible point of entry.

About The Penny Foundation

The Penny Foundation is a community foundation dedicated to expanding access, equity, and economic opportunity throughout Alabama. We support civic-minded donors, partners, and businesses in translating their values into lasting neighborhood change—through strategic philanthropy, entrepreneurship, education, and community wellness. Learn more at pennyfoundation.org.