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Project Title:
LAZR EDU HUB: Empowering Students through Arts, Technology, and Real-World Problem Solving (working title EPIC FEC)

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Project Overview:
We propose the creation of an LAZR EDU HUB designed to serve as both a community hub for game design and a cutting-edge educational facility. This center will teach students about the arts, game development, and the many uses of Unreal Engine on PCs, with integrated VR, holographic, free-roam VR technologies and virtual production. The center will equip learners with real-world skills in emerging fields like XR, VR, and holographic technologies through partnerships with industry-leading franchises. These franchises will not only deliver exposure but also ensure the project’s sustainability by driving attention and funding over the long term.

 

Core Objectives:

1. Educate and Empower Students:
   We aim to provide high school CTE (Career and Technical Education) students, college students, and K-12 teachers with access to Unreal Engine’s learning system and professional-grade hardware for at least 20 users. Using the latest tech and tools. These learners will have hands-on opportunities to engage with the latest technologies, including VR, XR, and holographic franchises. Our volunteers from HBCUs, North Carolina colleges, and faculty members will assist students in their educational journey with tech and expertise from a very experienced instructional designer and many more professionals.

2. Transitioning from Unity3D to Unreal Engine:
   As an experienced Unity3D developer and an early user of Unreal Editor, I will personally guide students through the transition from Unity3D to Unreal Engine. This transition will enable them to harness the power of Unreal’s advanced development tools and expand their creative potential across multiple industries. Unreal was among the first engines I learned before Gears of War wowed the world. The teams that love Unity3d can now have an in-person community tailored to creating more with them.

3. Real-World Learning and Development:
   Our center will bridge the gap between education and industry by offering college students access to equipment from our franchise partners as potential work-study and apprentice opportunities. Students will be able to test and experiment with cutting-edge technologies, bringing their classroom learning into the real world. Not only that, build with a team of like minded individuals in person or remotely. If needed they can rent time at our location to support the use of technology their school may not have access to. There are also a host of certifications they will be able to apply for so they can make the best creation possible.

4. Support for Teachers:
   The center will also offer incubators for educators, helping K-12 teachers and faculty integrate Unreal Engine technology into their classrooms. We will provide small, modular SCORM packages that can be easily integrated into existing Learning Management Systems (LMS), enhancing digital literacy and Unreal Engine expertise in a structured educational environment. I have already worked with a few instructional design groups to produce college ready training programs with award-winning departments like WSSU’s Citi team. I have almost mapped out 3 different CTE programs to align with Epic's very own LSM system.

5. Leveraging Franchise Partnerships for Sustainability:
   We will be using two or more franchises to bring attention to this project and ensure its continued success. Axiom’s Hologram Zoo franchise and Eva’s Esports franchise will be integral in delivering exposure and sustained funding. Even Crtl V franchise will be used as a possible platform for students to showcase their work. These franchises will not only highlight the innovative technology the center offers but also create revenue streams to keep the project funded for years to come. With these partnerships in place, we aim to reach long-term sustainability and offer future grants to students, teachers, and creators who excel in our programs.

6. Fostering Creativity and Innovation:
   We believe the long-term impact of the LAZR EDU HUB will go beyond traditional classroom learning. By exposing students to real-world problems and challenges, we will spark creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills that are essential for today’s evolving industries. We aim to turn North Carolina into a hub for independent developers and cultivate a new generation of creators who are ready to impact the game industry and other creative sectors.

7. Provide access at no cost or at a lower cost to CTE programs:
   If the whole LAZR learning hub can be funded with the starting cost of the three franchises, we can offer many of our facilities at no cost or at a lower cost to students. Students will have to be assessed, so we are first educating students who will put in the work and then queuing the interest of students who are curious about working in these fields. We also want this to be a multiple-school facility.  

 

Long-Term Vision:
Our ultimate goal is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that fosters the growth of indie developers and young creators while supporting college-bound students without the limits of political whims and irractic budgets. The LAZR EDU HUB will offer students the opportunity to showcase their projects, providing them with a platform to raise funds for further development or college tuition. Through our facility, they can turn their passion and hard work into tangible outcomes, supporting not just their education but also their future career aspirations. While gaining life long friends in their peers they work with. Which bloosmes into a thriving developer community hub of talent.

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We are also committed to contributing to North Carolina’s economic and cultural transformation. By cultivating a new generation of problem solvers and idea makers, we will shift the focus from a traditional factory-driven economy to a more innovation-centric community. We believe that the creativity, skills, and passion fostered at the LAZR EDU HUB will provide Epic Games and other industry players with a pool of talented, ready-to-hire developers.

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The Dream of Ready Player One is getting closer and closer. Our team believes the amazing tech combined with clear educational outcomes can reignite the Carolinas and wake up the sleeping western side of the state. This can also turn the heads of future learners and expose them to a future they did not know was possible, thus changing the culture and keeping our talent here rather than exporting it to another state.

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Why This Project Aligns with Epic’s Mission:
The LAZR EDU HUB embodies Epic Games’ commitment to empowering creators and supporting technological development. Through our center, students can access the latest Unreal Engine technology, arts education, and real-world applications of XR and VR. By offering this hands-on, community-driven learning environment, we will contribute to the growth of creative professionals who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s industries.

Our focus on fostering creativity and innovation aligns perfectly with Epic’s mission of advancing real-time 3D graphics technology and enabling creators to bring their ideas to life. The skills students will gain at the center will allow them to become problem solvers and innovators, ensuring a brighter future for both the students and the industries they will join.

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Franchise Partnerships and Sustainability:
Our collaboration with Axiom’s Hologram Zoo, Crtl V franchise, and Eva’s Esports franchise will ensure the sustainability of the LAZR EDU HUB. These partnerships will bring attention to the center through innovative programming and events, attracting public interest and financial support. As we reach our goals, these partnerships will allow us to offer grants to students and creators, further enhancing the long-term impact and growth of the center. These franchises also allow us to use some of their tech in the classroom or our class sessions on-site. When that is not available, then the LAZR EDU HUB will serve as a creation area to produce content for these franchises and others. These franchise will also offer hands on time with the equipment locally.

Why the Franchise model matters:
Connecting the Ctrl V VR arcade, the Hologram Zoo, and the EVA VR esports to the LAZR Learning Hub offers several benefits, each contributing to a comprehensive, immersive, and future-forward learning and entertainment ecosystem:

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1. Synergistic Learning Environment

• Real-World Application: By linking these franchises to the LAZR Learning Hub, students are provided with hands-on, industry-relevant experiences. They can see how their work in Unreal Engine, game design, or visual arts applies to actual entertainment venues like Ctrl V or EVA esports. This translates theory into practice, enhancing learning outcomes.

• Interdisciplinary Education: The integration of VR, holographic technology, and esports with the Learning Hub enables a multidisciplinary approach, blending game design, tech development, creative arts, and competitive gaming. This encourages students to develop diverse skill sets that reflect industry demands.

2. Revenue and Sustainability

• Revenue Streams to Fund Education: The entertainment value of the arcade, zoo, and esports venues generates revenue, which can be funneled back into the Learning Hub to support infrastructure, scholarships, or further R&D for educational programs. This sustainability model ensures that the LAZR Learning Hub remains financially secure.

• Profit for Continuous Growth: Connecting these ventures ensures long-term sustainability by creating recurring revenue, which can fund expansion, including future franchises or learning technologies. The more financially independent the center is, the more innovative and accessible it can become.

3. Student Exposure and Career Pathways

• Professional Development: Students working on projects that are showcased in venues like the VR arcade or EVA esports will gain exposure, potentially leading to career opportunities in game development, visual arts, or entertainment technology. The collaborative environment fosters real-world skills and showcases students' work in public or competitive settings.

• Portfolio and Certification Opportunities: Projects created by students can be polished to a professional standard, potentially meeting the Ctrl V vetting process or participating in EVA esports events. This builds a portfolio and earns them credibility in the eyes of potential employers, opening pathways to careers in indie game development or esports management.

4. Technological Innovation and Creativity

• Cutting-Edge Experiences: The combination of VR, holographic technology, and esports provides students access to the latest advancements in entertainment and tech. This encourages creativity, allowing students to push the boundaries of what’s possible in design and development, whether they’re working on interactive experiences, games, or competitive esports environments.

• Collaborative Tech Ecosystem: Each component—Ctrl V, Hologram Zoo, and EVA VR esports—feeds into the technological learning ecosystem of the LAZR Hub. Students learn how to leverage multiple platforms and technologies, encouraging innovation and problem-solving across diverse disciplines like augmented reality (AR), VR, and esports tech.

5. Community and Industry Engagement

• Local Economic and Cultural Impact: Linking these entertainment franchises to the Learning Hub establishes a cultural center that attracts both students and local communities. It not only increases local engagement in the arts and technology but also positions the Hub as a beacon for innovation in North Carolina, attracting talent and investment.

• Networking Opportunities: Esports tournaments, VR events, and holographic showcases draw in industry professionals, giving students the chance to network, pitch ideas, and collaborate with experts, as well as inspire partnerships between the learning center and tech, arts, or entertainment companies.

6. Franchise Synergy

• Cross-Promotion: With EVA esports, the Hologram Zoo, and Ctrl V VR arcade co-located with the Learning Hub, there’s potential for cross-promotion. Each franchise can drive interest in the others, creating a holistic, immersive entertainment and educational experience that appeals to a wide audience.

• Increased Visibility: Connecting the franchises with the Learning Hub boosts visibility for all ventures, increasing foot traffic and engagement. This can help draw attention to educational programs, making the learning opportunities more enticing through the allure of high-tech entertainment.

Overall, the integration of these entities would make the LAZR Learning Hub not just a place for education but a fully immersive, interactive, and engaging environment where entertainment meets real-world skill-building, innovation, and professional growth.

 

Requested Grant Amount:
We respectfully request support from the Epic MegaGrant to fund the development of the LAZR EDU HUB, covering the start-up cost to acquire the franchises. Then, we will strategically purchase the hardware, software, facility improvements, and student support initiatives from the profits if that can not be covered in the first round of funding. We estimate that the total cost of launching the center will be $ 3,034,314.This can be done in phases also. This includes $ 434,000 for the Hologram ZOO,  $1 813 000 for the EVA Esports, and $370,000 for the Crtl V VR franchise, which will then fund the up keep and salaries of the $417314 worth of gear and furnishings for the LAZR learning hub’s main operations. This funding will be used to purchase PCs, VR/AR hardware, franchise licenses, and development equipment for up to 20-40 users at a time and bring in paid training professionals. The Hologram ZOO will add universal appeal and bring in visitors of all ages, yet the Crtl V VR arcade will be a great place for students to repeat visit with friends, family and strive to get their own creations released there by working hard in the LAZR EDU HUB. The EVA Esports can support a version of Esports that is closer to the spectator sports that already thrive in this area, making VR Esports another extra curricular activity NC can enjoy. The combination of these key franchises will produce a wave of change that the western part of NC needs. Additionally, funds will go toward curriculum development, training volunteers, and integrating Unreal technology into local school systems with the help of the students and a small development team. 

Conclusion:
With your support, we can create a sustainable, innovative, and impactful space for students to learn, grow, and become the next generation of creators using Unreal Engine. The LAZR EDU HUB will not only teach technical skills but will also foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and a love for problem-solving in real-world applications. We are excited to collaborate with Epic Games to bring this vision to life and transform the educational landscape of North Carolina. Ctrl V and the Owners of the Hologram Zoo have already approved the use of their franchise in this center. The EVA e-sports franchise has also let us know that they want to be involved in the bigger population areas. These locations can be spread out in different areas in a region to offer unique combinations. Additionally, the Franchise will also help with buying or licensing the commerical properties along with professionally building out the spaces to the standard of their franchises along with other perks like advertising that normal learning projects can not afford.

Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to the opportunity to make a lasting impact with Epic Games.