Ben Simmons announced a new partnership on Twitter today. He will be working with Metro Esports to bring tech education, esports, and gaming to Greater Philadelphia Area students. The program will begin this fall and is focused on educating young students in the Philadelphia area region.  Simmons will sponsor 50 aspiring gaming and technology enthusiasts from the Philadelphia area to participate in Metro’s Digital Bridges Gaming/Stem certification program.

Read the full press release here:

This partnership aims to diversify an industry that lacks representation from people of color. Over 53% of all video game players are black and brown, but less than 2% are represented in the industry. It is part of Metro’s broader mission to bring tech education and STEM education to students. Metro’s goal is to bridge the gap in tech education by offering a wide array of tech and coding courses, offered both online and in person (COVID safe), to students 13+. Not only do students receive an industry recognized certificate upon completion, they are also introduced to Metro’s partner companies. Metro also offers a wide variety of Esports tournaments and leagues that can be played either online, or at their 7,000 square foot Esports Lounge in Warminster, just outside of Philadelphia. Metro and Simmons plan to bring this tech education program to cities all over the USA.

About Metro Sports & Entertainment Group:

Metro Sports & Entertainment Group is a technology-based education and custom Esports event management agency, located in the Greater Philadelphia area. Metro’s unique expertise lies in their custom programming, high-tech/hi-profile, multicultural consumer reach, and innovative brand integration strategies. For more information check out metroesports.gg.

About the Ben Simmons Family Foundation:

The Ben Simmons Family Foundation (BSFF) is an Australian based charitable organization that exists to break down the barriers to an equal future. Launched in December, 2020, the foundation is based on the belief that change is needed and can be hard, while striving to equalize access in its communities to education, sport, wellness, and technology.

Ben Simmons is launching a new partnership with a Philadelphia-based Esports company? Look, I know it’s Friday afternoon and half the internet is already out enjoying their Labor Day Weekend but I can’t help but think that this is fantastic news. It’s great to see Simmons working with students in the Philadelphia area regardless. He has been getting torched by literally everyone in the city of Philadelphia over the past few weeks, if not months, but at the end of the day, he’s human just like the rest of us and it’s great to see him getting involved in the community he has called home over the past five years.

Hate all you want. I’m way past the point of trying to argue with people who flat-out do not like Ben Simmons. Not changing anyone’s minds regardless. This is great to see and I’m happy for everyone involved.