Esports requires a tremendous amount of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity from players to achieve and sustain success. It reaches beyond traditional sports to create an all-inclusive environment that breaks barriers.

Character Development

There will inevitably be challenges and early failures, but players who demonstrate grit and adapt/learn will typically succeed in esports. Fortunately, these attributes are exactly what employers and colleges are telling high schools they are looking for in recent graduates.

Sense of Community

A Pew Research Report states that video games play a vital role in teen friendships. The inclusiveness and accessibility of esports allow students to come together over a common passion while providing access to a positive adult mentor in their lives.

Increase Participation

Esports are co-ed, inclusive, and engage students who might not otherwise participate in school athletics or activities. There is a strong correlation between student engagement and student achievement. NCES reported that students who participated in extracurricular activities perform higher on math and reading assessments.

STEM Engagement

The amount of technology involved with esports enables students to practice and develop STEM skills. Students spend hours analyzing data, game statistics, and strategies, which provide real-world experience and application. Esports players are often interested in STEM classes and programs. A high percentage of collegiate esports players select STEM majors.

College Scholarships

Esports can provide a gateway to colleges and universities. The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), the main governing body for varsity collegiate esports, has awarded millions of dollars in esports scholarships and aid over the last five years. Currently, more than 200 colleges and universities offer nearly 15 million dollars in scholarships.

Esports majors and careers are becoming increasingly more accessible. There are growing opportunities to find employment in esports-related careers. These opportunities include broadcasting, marketing, graphic design, multimedia production, hospitality, coaching, and management.