Live from the Olympic Civic Center | Streamed Nationally
September is for Back2School & Saving Lives
Join us for an epic back-to-school event packed with Esport competitions, emerging AI & Tech career exhibits, and life-saving certifications like QPR & CPR. Unlock the power of your students to build safer, stronger school communities.
Compete in age-appropriate championships featuring today's hottest titles. Battle for glory on professional-grade equipment with live commentators.
Panels & Exhibits
Explore interactive exhibits on leveling up your gameplay, staying safe online, and discovering careers in gaming AI and tech. Connect with industry pros and get hands-on with the latest innovations.
Wellness Micro-Workshops
Master life-saving skills with QPR suicide prevention and Hands-Only CPR certifications. Learn gaming safety and mindfulness techniques from experts.
Empowering youth where they are—with tools that help them stay.
The Urgency: Saving Lives, Shaping Futures
The youth mental health crisis is undeniable. Our approach addresses it head-on, engaging young people where they are to empower them for a brighter future.
Stark Realities
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth, with over 51,000 lives lost and 1.7 million attempts annually.
Meet Youth Where They Are
Youth spend up to 8+ hours daily on devices, social media, and gaming. Effective prevention engages them in their digital spaces, schools, and media while empowering them to impact others.
Our Transformative Approach
Flourish Foundation creates stigma-free solutions, empowering youth with leadership, resilience, and career exploration in tech, AI, and medical fields.
Play & Stay Reach & Impact
1,200+
In-Person Attendees
Youth participants from across the region
11M+
Digital Impressions
National reach through livestreams and social media
100%
Safe School & QPR Certifications
For Participating students
A low-cost, high-value approach to proactive mental wellness that
Play & Stay has a powerful reach that empowers students to cultivate safe and nurturing school environments, boost academic involvement, and equip them with essential tools for emotional regulation. Each student will graduate as a certified Mental Wellness Ambassador, driving positive change in both their school and community.
3 Ways to Join In
Individual Registration
Secure your spot to participate in all activities, tournaments, and workshops. Early bird discounts available!
School & Group Registration
Special rates and transportation support for NY schools. Bring your class, club, or entire grade!
Watch Party Hosts
Colleges, youth centers, and partner organizations can register to host official streaming parties nationwide.
Capacity for 10,000 in-person attendees plus unlimited national reach through live streaming.
Research-Informed Benefits
Reduced Behavioral Incidents
Early intervention through engaging activities leads to measurable decreases in classroom disruptions and school discipline issues.
Enhanced Social-Emotional Skills
Structured gaming and collaborative challenges strengthen self-confidence, peer bonding, and resilience in measurable ways.
Authentic Youth Engagement
Youth-led, professionally guided content creates genuine connections that traditional programs often fail to achieve.
Career Exploration Zones
Discover pathways to exciting careers in the digital entertainment industry. Meet professionals and get hands-on experience in:
Game Development & Design
Music Production & Distribution
Broadcasting & Content Creation
Esports Management & Coaching
Digital Marketing & Event Production
Test-drive equipment, build your portfolio, and connect with mentors who can help shape your future.
Prevention Starts with Awareness & Connection
Gaming Safety
Interactive learning sessions cover gaming safety, self-regulation, and online wellness, empowering students with critical digital citizenship skills.
Skill Building
Every session is designed to build protective factors and leadership skills, fostering resilience and positive development in a fun, engaging way.
Curriculum Alignment
Our curriculum-aligned activities help educators meet SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) requirements, engaging students in experiences they genuinely enjoy.
Bring your classroom or entire school for a day they'll never forget.
Schools Administrators & Teams
Partnership Request
Access official forms to request collaboration with your school, municipality, or organization.
Parent Resources
Download sample letters, permission forms, and information packets to share with families.
Curriculum Alignment
Explore how Play & Stay activities support STEM, SEL, and career readiness standards.
Be part of the movement that helps kids Play & Stay—in school, in life, and in the game.