The Cxmmunity Foundation Transforms The Gaming Sphere With Microsoft's Power Platform

Advocating the Esports Industry 

Currently, about 83% of minority teens play video games. With Esports becoming one of the fastest growing sports within k-12 institutions/universities, Cxmmunity strives to be more than just a media company. Their platform introduces students of color to gaming and technology careers through STEAM-focused workshops, networking events, and educational programs such as their Cxmmunity Esports Readiness Program. 

The organization currently operates 15 innovation labs nationwide, which offer students hands-on experience in game development, design, and production. Cxmmunity’s efforts also include partnerships with local leaders, such as Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, to enhance gaming and Esports in schools and community spaces.

NTA’s Power Platform Support 

Cxmmunity’s expansive efforts did not go unnoticed, especially after receiving a grant for their Cxmmunity’s Skill’s Program, which started their relationship with Microsoft’s Nonprofit Tech Acceleration (NTA) Program. Fitzgerald was enamored with the impact the program provided to other minority-serving nonprofits, and receiving NTA’s support was instrumental in expanding the nonprofit. 

The NTA Program has been pivotal in linking Cxmmunity with other organizations and providing project support. Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of Microsoft's expert guidance in pushing the organization closer to their goals. Specifically, the Cxmmunity team was given access to Microsoft’s Power Platform, a suite of low-code tools that includes Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents. Access to this suite allows the nonprofit to analyze and track data, enhance workflow processes, and build/design custom apps and websites without the need of extensive coding knowledge.

Fitzgerald beamed, “The Power Platform such as the Power App, Automate, as well as Azure were two of the tools that gave us the ability to go back to market with more advanced capabilities.”  

Additionally, the nonprofit was given access to Microsoft’s Azure Ecosystem for content management and developing new learning management applications with the help of one of NTA’s Cloud Solution Architects. Through the Azure Ecosystem, the nonprofit can use cloud services that help manage data, stay secure, and use AI to create new solutions. A plus: they receive grants and free resources to get started.

“We sustained this NTA partnership because we saw the value that it was providing directly to organizations that looked like us,” said Fitzgerald.

The efficiency of these tools has brought the Cxmmunity team a sense of relief in their business processes, making it especially easier to report their students’ progress in real-time while streamlining their data capture processes.

Partnership Growth & Expansion 

The organization has since expanded to cities such as Atlanta and Los Angeles, working with major companies like Riot Games, the National Basketball Association (NBA), and Comcast to connect students with tech professionals and various career pathways. Cxmmunity has also collaborated with the Boys and Girls Club of America to create an Esports program, allowing students k-12 to compete in tournaments and build their skills. 

Looking ahead, the nonprofit hopes to leverage their additional time to expand its initiatives across the country, cultivating new opportunities and experiences in various communities. Plans to continue collaborating with Microsoft’s NTA Program remain, to equip students with essential tools for success in their educational journeys and careers. 

“We’re looking forward to networking and the communal approach to using our services to help others upscale and reach their impact narratives as well,” Fitzgerald said.