by Ghost Gaming have announced their intent to launch a new youth training academy, Ghost Gaming Academy.
The North American esports organization revealed that it will be designed to help young people develop skills in gaming and esports.
The organization took to their official website to announce the development, describing it as a “platform for youth enrichment and skill development.”
“Ghost Gaming, the Atlanta-based gaming lifestyle org and professional esports team, today announced the planned Q1 2023 launch of Ghost Gaming Academy, a platform for youth enrichment and skill development,” the organization wrote.
“Ghost Gaming Academy will offer outside-of-school pathways and projects for student engagement and career preparedness within and adjacent to the gaming industry — including Professional Esports Competitor, Content Creator, Livestream Broadcaster, and even Game Designer.”
Aside from the news of the youth training academy, which the organization revealed will be launched in the first quarter of 2023, Ghost Gaming also announced the appointment of its Director.
According to an announcement from Ghost Gaming, PK Graff has been appointed as the new Director of the Ghost Gaming Academy.
Graff brings over a decade of experience in the fields of technology, gaming, and esports to the role, having been a teacher and instructional designer in the esports and gaming scene. He also has a research fellowship at the North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF).
In addition to his work in research, Graff has launched 11 middle school esports programs in Georgia and serves as the general manager position for seven varsity esports teams. His focus is on using scholastic gaming to promote resilience in at-risk students.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghost Gaming commented on the launch, highlighting the benefits of the youth training academy and why the organization selected Graff as the best candidate to head the academy.
“Structured esports can transform youth screen time into personal development and skill development,” Harris said.
“PK is a top practitioner of scholastic esports and our program combines his classroom and youth esports coaching experience with content and lessons from game industry professionals, including professional competitors, coaches, gaming content creators, and even game designers.
“Our Ghost Gaming Academy mission is to deliver positive and inclusive gaming experiences that empower youth to shape their future.”
The academy will provide online courses, as well as the opportunity to compete at gaming venues throughout North America.
In addition, students at the academy are also given the opportunity to attend invitational events at Ghost Gaming Atlanta-based headquarters and esports campus.
The academy courses will cover various careers within the esports industry, such as information regarding how to become a professional player, content creator, and game designer.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to interact with other competitors in the Georgia Esports League and Ghost Gaming roster of players and coaches.
Throughout 2022, Ghost Gaming has increased its involvement in grassroots and collegiate esports.
In August, it took over as the operator of the Georgia Esports League, and in October, it signed an agreement with Georgia healthcare provider Piedmont.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Film Academy, and Piedmont, the Official Healthcare Provider, all support the collegiate esports property.
