"As universities expand their athletic programs and esports initiatives, they're increasingly expected to deliver the same broadcast-quality experiences audiences expect from professional venues." --Ted Greely, Territory Account Manager at Panasonic Projector and Display Americas

Colorado State University has partnered with Microsoft to develop and pilot custom AI systems, CSU-GPT and the soon-to-launch RamGPT. These systems are built specifically for the university's needs, with Microsoft providing the technological infrastructure and expertise. The collaboration positions CSU as one of the few higher education institutions leading in the implementation of generative AI, aiming to enhance administrative efficiency and student preparedness for an AI-driven workforce.

Esports are growing rapidly, with over 300 US colleges having teams and offering scholarships, as highlighted by students at Canastota High School's visit to Syracuse University. Syracuse freshman Matthew Russell, a Rocket League player, is already benefiting from a scholarship, while Canastota senior Darren Nowakowski is considering a career in esports management and game design.

Recent US college graduates are facing higher unemployment rates, with the jobless rate for those ages 22 to 27 reaching 5.8% in mid-2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Automation and AI have reduced the number of entry-level jobs, while companies prefer experienced hires. Non-college graduates are finding more opportunities in trades and services, driven by infrastructure investments. This shift has led to a reevaluation of higher education's value and a rise in vocational training.