In Waterbury, where socioeconomic challenges and limited opportunities make it hard for young people to stay on track, access to the right tools and guidance can make all the difference.
Growing up here after moving from Puerto Rico, I saw how poverty and violence can overshadow potential. For me, video games were a lifeline —a way to escape, connect, and ultimately find a career path in technology. This is the opportunity I am committed to giving back through Brass City Gamers, the nonprofit I founded over a decade ago.
Today, we provide programs that bridge the digital divide for youth who, like myself, are searching for positive outlets and future opportunities. This fall, we ran a video game streaming course in partnership with The Ungroup Society, giving nine students the hands-on skills to stream their gaming content. The demand for this program was overwhelming —over 30 students remained on a waiting list, eager for the same chance. The interest alone speaks volumes about the need for such programs in Waterbury.
Yet, our mission goes beyond just teaching gaming. At Brass City Gamers, we empower youth through critical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) opportunities in esports, coding, robotics, AI, and cybersecurity. The skills they gain aren’t just about landing future jobs; they are about changing lives in a city where too many young people face poverty, violence, and disconnection.
According to recent reports, there are 119,000 at-risk and disconnected young people across Connecticut, many in high-need communities like ours, where Dalio Education has highlighted the urgent need for programs that engage and uplift youth. Every student who comes through our program is one less who may become disconnected from education and employment.
The truth is, what we’re doing at Brass City Gamers addresses an immediate need in our city. Youth in Waterbury face unique struggles, and programs like ours offer hope and direction where options are few. We teach teamwork, critical thinking, and digital literacy through esports, preparing students for the expanding technology landscape. This isn’t just about gaming; it’s about creating a new generation of skilled, tech-savvy creators who can thrive in a digital economy.
Our collaboration with The Ungroup Society is just one example of our impact. For years, they’ve provided financial literacy programs to prepare young people of color for future financial independence. Together, we’re equipping these young people with the combined skills of financial responsibility and digital competency, giving them multiple pathways to success. Imagine a future where they’re not just finding stability but owning homes, managing investments, and launching careers in tech.
Yet, the demand for our classes shows how much more we could accomplish with greater resources. To truly meet the needs of young people in Waterbury, we need more investment in technology-focused programs that help our youth gain real-world skills. We’ve proven that these programs are possible—and that they work. Now, it’s time to scale. With the proper funding and support, we can reduce the waiting list, expand our course offerings, and substantially impact the lives of more students.
In Waterbury and across Connecticut, investing in digital literacy and esports programs isn’t just an innovative idea —it’s a necessary one. Our youth deserve more than a future overshadowed by socioeconomic limitations. They deserve opportunities to build sustainable careers, gain critical skills, and thrive.
At Brass City Gamers, we’re helping young people reclaim their futures, one workshop at a time. But we can’t do it alone. With support from our community and local organizations, we can transform these kids’ passion for gaming into pathways out of poverty and disconnection. Let’s provide hope and build a stronger, more resilient future for our city and state.
Hector Navarro is the Chair and co-founder of Brass City Gamers, a nonprofit organization based in Waterbury.
