July 12th ~ Gaming & Tech Event
Tech Connect: Bridging the Gap through Esports and Technology
Date: July 12, 2025
Time: Drop in between 6pm to 9pm
Location: Youth Crisis Center Conference Center
3015 Parental Home Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216
FREE event, but please register using the link below to let us know you will be attending so we can plan for space and know how many gaming systems to setup.
Tech Connect is a fun and casual social networking event for students aged 12 to 20. We turn community spaces into "ACE ARENA", an esports and gaming lounge.
We will have Various esports and video games available to play on Gaming PCs and Laptops, Nintendo Switch, and Virtual Reality. We will have Guitar hero and some other retro games as well.
We are looking for snacks and giveaways for the students. If can support the event, please send an email to info@firstcoastesports.org
GAME JAM @ the Jax Library
Discover and Make Your Own Games
Welcome to our GAME JAM, the newest hands-on Coding & Gaming Club powered by First Coast Esports Alliance!
If you love gaming and have ever wondered “How do they make this?” — this is your chance to build your own.
GAME JAM is a weekly, project-based club where students learn to design, code, and publish their own video games using GameMaker ~ the same powerful platform used to create real indie hits.
📍 South Mandarin Branch Library Schedule
- Mar 24
- April 7, 21
- May 5
📍 Southeast Regional Branch Library Schedule
- Mar 31
- April 14, 28
- May 12
💻 What We’ll Do
GAME JAM isn’t just about playing games ~ it’s about building them.
Participants will use GameMaker to:
- 🎮 Design their own original game concepts
- 🧠 Learn coding logic, variables, sprites, and mechanics
- 🎨 Create characters, levels, and sound effects
- 🤝 Work in teams like real development studios
- 🚀 Showcase their finished games at the end of the season
Each session builds toward a playable game students can share with friends and family.
🌟 Why Join GAME JAM?
🎓 Learn Real-World Skills
Game development teaches:
- Problem-solving
- Creative thinking
- Collaboration
- Digital literacy
- Project management
- Computational logic
These are the same skills used in careers like software development, animation, esports production, app design, and tech entrepreneurship.
👥 Make Friends Who Love Gaming
Meet other students who share your passion for:
- Indie games
- Esports
- Coding
- Streaming
- Tech & creativity
Build a network of creators — not just players.
🏆 Level Up Your Future
Whether you’re interested in:
- Starting an esports team
- Exploring college tech programs
- Building your own game studio
- Competing in game design competitions
- Or just learning something awesome…
GAME JAM gives you a launchpad.
🎉 It’s FUN.
Let’s be honest — coding feels different when:
- Your character finally jumps correctly.
- Your game music actually works.
- Your friends are testing something you built.
- You see your name in the credits.
There’s nothing like it.
🎯 Who Should Join?
- Middle & High School students (ages 12 to 18)
- Beginners curious about coding
- Gamers who want to create
- Students interested in STEM & tech careers
- Future esports innovators
No prior coding experience required — just bring your creativity and curiosity.
Join Our Roblox Club
We now have Clubs hosted at 2 Jacksonville Public Library Locations!
Get Ready for the Ultimate Social Roblox Club at the Library!
Calling all Roblox enthusiasts! Join us for a fun-filled, interactive adventure at the Jacksonville Public Library. Whether you're a seasoned builder, a passionate gamer, or just curious about what Roblox is all about, this is the perfect place to learn, play, and make new friends. Here's what we have planned for you:
🎮 Gaming Together
Dive into exciting, curated Roblox games with fellow club members. Work together to conquer challenges, build epic worlds, or just have a blast exploring new adventures!
🛠️ Creative Building Challenges
Show off your creativity with collaborative building activities! Work in teams or go solo to design and create amazing worlds. From obstacle courses to dream homes, let your imagination run wild!
💻 Learn & Level Up
Ever wanted to create your own game? For those interested, we can schedule separate classes to walk you through the basics of scripting, coding, and game design so you can bring your ideas to life. Don't worry—no prior experience is needed!
🤝 Meet & Mingle
Take a break from the screen and enjoy fun, Roblox-themed icebreakers and trivia games. Get to know other gamers in your community and build friendships that extend beyond the virtual world.
🏆 Epic Competitions
Test your skills in mini-tournaments and creative challenges for a chance to win cool prizes and bragging rights as the club’s Roblox champion!
📚 Relax & Recharge
Need a moment of quiet? Explore Roblox-themed books and resources available at the library to inspire your next big idea.
📅 When: Every Other Tuesday Night, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Where: Alternating Weeks at 2 Library Locations
Southeast Regional Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
South Mandarin Library, 12125 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223
This isn’t just a club—it’s a community where fun, learning, and creativity come together. Whether you’re here to play, learn, or simply hang out, there’s something for everyone. Bring your curiosity, your ideas, and your game face—we can’t wait to see you at the Social Roblox Club! 🚀🎉
Important Note: This is a “Bring Your Own Device” Roblox Club and you will need to be able to connect to the Library WIFI.
How to Sign Up? Register below by selecting your nearest Library location to reserve your spot today!
If you plan on attending at both locations, please fill out both forms.
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out.
For more information, contact us at: info@firstcoastesports.org
Let’s create something amazing together! See you at the Roblox Club!
FCEA TECH LAB
CTRL • ALT • CREATE
Break Things. Learn Things. Build Better Things.
Build Season 01
📍 ~ Hosted at Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) locations around Jacksonville.
📅 ~ Tuesdays from Sept 1 through Oct 20
🕒 ~ Times 6-8 pm
9/1/2026 PAL Location #1
9/8/2026 PAL Location #1
9/15/2026 PAL Location #2
9/22/2026 PAL Location #2
9/29/2026 PAL Location #3
10/6/2026 PAL Location #3
10/13/2026 PAL Location #4
10/20/2026 PAL Location #4
Build Season 02
📍 ~ Hosted at Southeast Regional Library
📅 ~ Tuesdays starting on Oct 27 through Dec 15
(note: No session on Nov 10)
🕒 ~ Times 6-8 pm
Build Season 03
📍 ~ Hosted at Southeast Regional Library
📅 ~ Tuesdays starting on Feb 2 through Mar 23
🕒 ~ Times 6-8 pm
🎟️ Registration Forms coming soon.
FCEA Tech Lab is a weekly hands-on technology meetup where Makers ages 8 to 17 explore the exciting world of technology through creative challenges, collaborative projects, and real-world experimentation. Every Mission introduces something new to discover, build, or invent—no experience required, just curiosity.
During Mission Sessions, Makers May:
- 🎮 Design and build their own video games and interactive experiences.
- 🤖 Experiment with robotics, electronics, and smart devices.
- 🧠 Explore the latest AI tools to create art, stories, music, and more.
- 🛡️ Learn cybersecurity skills through ethical hacking and digital challenges.
- 🐧 Discover Linux and explore how computers really work.
- 🌐 Build and program Internet of Things (IoT) projects using sensors and microcontrollers.
- 🎥 Create digital content including videos, graphics, animations, podcasts, and livestreams.
- 🛠️ Take apart technology, solve problems, and discover how things work.
- 🚁 Explore emerging technologies like drones, virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D design.
- 👥 Collaborate with friends to tackle creative challenges and build original projects.
- 💡 Connect with technology professionals and discover exciting career opportunities.
- 🚀 Collect Mission stamps in their Tech Passport, complete Build Cycles, and earn exclusive Tech Lab rewards.
Whether you're a gamer, creator, inventor, builder, artist, or simply curious about technology, FCEA Tech Lab is your place to explore, experiment, and create alongside other Makers in a fun, welcoming community. Every Mission is different, every Build Cycle introduces new adventures, and every meetup is another opportunity to build something amazing.