Esports and gaming jobs platform Hitmarker has partnered with the Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA) to help students of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) pursue careers in esports and gaming.
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The two organisations have signed a ‘wide-ranging international partnership’, according to a release, which will include Hitmarker providing the BCGA with a free API feed of selected job opportunities on the BCGA website.
The agreement will also include Hitmarker providing the BCGA with bespoke educational content around esports- and video game-industry careers, as well as facilitating introductions to other non-profit industry bodies in its immediate network.
Additionally, students from all 16 of BCGA’s member schools will receive detailed CV and cover-letter reviews from Hitmarker, one-to-one assistance with interview preparation when required, and social-media spotlight content across all of Hitmarker’s social-media accounts. Hitmarker staff will also participate in any and all BCGA workshops and events that involve career development. The partnership was facilitated by the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF).
“The BCGA is doing inspirational and necessary work, and we’re delighted to assist them in any way we can,” commented Richard Huggan, Managing Director of Hitmarker. “The progress the BCGA has made in less than six months is a testament to the drive of Keshia Walker and everyone involved in the organisation. We hope that Hitmarker can help the BCGA to keep building momentum to enact real change, all while helping students at all BCGA member schools realise their dreams of pursuing careers in esports and/or the video game industry.”
Hitmarker has started two equity crowdfunding campaigns through Crowdcube since November last year. Both were relative successes; the first in November 2019 saw the company raise 250 percent of its crowdfunding campaign target (GBP200,000 in total), and the second, completed earlier this month, raised GBP521,283 — exceeding the original target by 260 percent.
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“We are excited about the global opportunities and partnerships that Hitmarker will bring to our diverse and talented member institutions,” added Keshia Walker, Founder & Chairwoman of the Black Collegiate Gaming Association. “Hitmarker will provide incremental career resources and intellectual capital beginning this Spring, not only during Black College Con & Women Got Game, but on our 16 HBCU charter member campuses. BCGA is hosting two historic properties, Black College Con (February 2021) and Women Got Game (March 2021), which will provide connections, conversations, and competitions for college students and industry leaders.”
Esports Insider says: Any initiative that supports the historically disenfranchised is a welcomed one. The work of both organisations on this project is admirable and will hopefully help many black students find careers in the industry.