Hickory Career - Arts Magnet High School in Hickory, North Carolina on DonorsChoose

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This equipment is no longer a goal—it is a reality that has immediately changed how our students learn, train, and connect.\r\n\r\nHow Technology is Helping Students Learn\r\nFor many donors, gaming consoles might look like entertainment, but in our program, the technology is the central tool for a rigorous curriculum focused on teamwork, strategic thinking, and data analysis.\r\n\r\nElevated Strategic Planning: With our new low-latency monitors, students are now able to see and react to game information instantly. This forces them to move beyond simple memorization and engage in real-time, advanced tactical planning. They are constantly analyzing team rotations, identifying communication breakdowns, and adjusting their strategy under pressure—a vital skill set in any professional environment.\r\n\r\nData-Driven Performance: Having the equipment for all players means we can now run simultaneous scrimmages and practice sessions. Students are recording their play, analyzing the data on their mistakes, and creating detailed post-game reports. This data-driven approach to improvement mirrors professional sports and business analytics, giving them concrete experience in iterative improvement.\r\n\r\nBuilding a Full Organization: The program is a living lab for career readiness. Students aren't just competing; they are gaining experience in broadcast production, content creation, and equipment management—transferable skills critical for college scholarships and high-growth careers in the massive gaming and tech industries.\r\n\r\nWhat is Most Exciting to the Students\r\nThe most exciting aspect for our students is the level playing field and the ability to compete seriously.\r\n\r\nThe moment the new monitors and second Switch were installed, the atmosphere shifted. For many of our athletes, the program is the only place they can access modern, competitive gaming equipment. Now, every single player has a dedicated, professional-grade setup to train on. This eliminates the anxiety of unequal resources and builds incredible confidence and pride. They are most excited about the ability to host full, competitive 4-on-4 practices without any student having to sit out, validating their commitment and proving that their high school is invested in their success.\r\n\r\nStudents Who Have Warmed to This New Technology\r\nThe impact has been particularly notable on students who thrive in this unique environment, especially those who struggle in traditional settings.\r\n\r\nWe've seen students who were naturally quiet or reserved in a traditional classroom truly blossom into leaders. One example is [Student Name - Optional], a student who rarely volunteered answers or spoke up during class discussions. With the new equipment, they have taken ownership of our setup and have become the primary expert in managing the multiple consoles and running practice sessions. 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About this school

Hickory Career - Arts Magnet High School is an urban public school in Hickory, North Carolina that is part of Hickory Public Schools. It serves 201 students in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.0:1. Its teachers have had 13 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 9 - 12

201 Students

20 Teachers

409 8th Ave NE

Hickory, NC 28601 View local requests

http://hcamatcollegepark.com/

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Hickory Career - Arts Magnet High School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Hickory Career - Arts Magnet High School Demographics

92%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

40%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Hickory Career - Arts Magnet High School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.