Westfield's Gamify U Turns Gaming And Creativity Into Real-World Skills

WESTFIELD, NJ — Dr. Zach Rosch is helping students turn their interests in gaming, technology and creativity into career-connected opportunities, real-world skills and industry-recognized credentials.

"You could take something that somebody might look at as just a hobby, and you could turn it into a passion. You could turn it into a future, and that's what the hope is and hope was for creating Gamify U," said Rosch to Patch.

Rosch opened Gamify U at 219 East Broad St., with enrollment open for fall registration.

He described Gamify U as "a future-focused education and career readiness organization that uses technology that students are already interested in, basically as the entry point to serious learning credentials, college exposure, career exploration, real-world skills, everything that they're going to need later in life; we're trying to expose them to it now."

Rosch is a multi-award-winning educator, Doctor of Education, Assistant Principal, STEM and Career and Technical Education leader, and curriculum designer.

"For more than 15 years, Rosch has developed programs in STEM, aviation, engineering, cybersecurity, workforce readiness, and career-connected learning. His work has focused on giving students practical experiences that connect education to college, careers, and real opportunities," according to GamifyU.

His passion is what led him to open GamifyU.

"Kids these days are not just going to be able to get into college with just their academics anymore. It's what else are you bringing to the table, and the way that I see higher education going with dual enrollment and being able to look at the holistic student, it's just something that has kind of pushed me to want to do this," said Rosch.

The business is aimed mainly at students ages 12 to 18. Gamify U is also creating a Saturday class for people 16 and older, with drones among the possible course offerings.

The program list includes Minecraft, 3D print and design, visual storytelling, AutoCAD, Adobe certification, digital media and content creation, AI learning and ethics, cybersecurity, and leadership and career development.

Rosch said those classes are designed to end with a credential or certificate that students can use on a resume.

Gamify U also plans an esports component.

Rosch described esports as professional video gaming and said the Westfield location will focus on Valorant, League of Legends, Rocket League and Fortnite.

He said students will learn fundamentals that could lead to a professional-style team that competes for scholarships.

"Kids light up around technology. They light up around gaming. AI is all the rage right now. Cybersecurity, designing, engineering-you know-and taking a look at where a lot of your students out in Westfield are going. It all just makes way too much sense," Rosch said.

Rosch, who is from Staten Island, New York, said his family chose Westfield after spending time in town and getting to know the community.

"We've always loved the community. We love the family feel, the quaint little town," he said.

He also said the business is intended to support, not compete with, local schools.

"Be there with their families and support this journey just based on what the students are interested in now," Rosch said.

For more information on GamifyU or to sign up for classes, visit gamifyu.com or instagram.com/gamifyu.official or facebook.com/gamifyu.official.

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