Category: Education

Esports, or competitive video gaming, is rapidly gaining popularity in high schools across the United States. While esports may not have the same physical demands as traditional sports, it shares many of the same qualities, such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership1.

These shared qualities contribute to the growing acceptance and integration of esports within the educational landscape. Once a niche hobby, esports is now recognized as an official sport by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and boasts over 8,600 high school teams nationwide2.

This surge in popularity is driven by student interest, with approximately 90% of teenagers playing video games2. This article will explore the growth of high school esports, its benefits and challenges, how to start a program, and the opportunities available to student athletes.

The Growth of High School Esports

The rise of esports in high schools is a relatively recent phenomenon. Since the NFHS recognized esports as an official sport in 2018, the number of high schools with esports programs has exploded2. This growth is fueled by several factors, including the increasing popularity of esports in general, the recognition of its potential benefits for students, and the growing availability of scholarships and career opportunities in the field3.

Esports has become a mainstream form of entertainment, with professional leagues, online streaming platforms like Twitch, and YouTube videos attracting millions of viewers4. This popularity has trickled down to the high school level, where students are eager to participate in competitive gaming3.

Gaming experts estimate that by 2025, esports competitions will draw in 640 million people, about 60 percent more than in 20193. This surge in popularity has also translated into financial growth, with the global esports market projected to expand from $1.38 billion in 2022 to $1.87 billion by 20253.

Furthermore, educators and parents are beginning to recognize the potential benefits of esports for students3. Esports programs can help students develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking2. These programs also provide a sense of community and belonging for students who may not participate in traditional sports or extracurricular activities1.

Esports programs have been particularly successful in engaging students who haven’t previously participated in extracurricular activities, creating a more inclusive and diverse school community1. One of the primary benefits of esports as a school sport is that it reaches a whole new population of students who may not have found their place in traditional clubs or organizations5. While schools have offered athletics and fine arts as extracurricular options for many years, esports provides a new avenue for student involvement5.

Popular High School Esports Games

A variety of games are played in high school esports competitions. Some of the most popular titles include:

These games offer a variety of gameplay experiences and cater to different interests and skill sets. The choice of games often depends on student preferences, the availability of equipment, and the specific leagues or tournaments in which the school participates.

Benefits of High School Esports

Esports programs offer numerous benefits for high school students, including:

• Skill Development: Esports helps students develop a wide range of skills, including hand-eye coordination, reflexes, strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork10. Players learn to communicate effectively, make quick decisions under pressure, and adapt to changing circumstances10. The skills developed through esports extend far beyond gaming proficiency. Players learn valuable life skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in college, careers, and personal life10.
• Social-Emotional Learning: Esports fosters social-emotional learning by encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and communication11. Players learn to work together towards a common goal, support each other, and manage their emotions in competitive situations11. Contrary to the belief that video games cause social isolation, esports can actually foster social interaction and teamwork. Players must communicate effectively, collaborate with teammates, and develop strategies together12.
• Academic Performance: Studies have shown that students involved in extracurricular activities, including esports, have improved attendance and are more likely to graduate13. They also tend to perform better academically and have higher aspirations for education13. For example, one study found that students who participated in esports programs had a 10% higher graduation rate than those who did not.
• STEM Learning: Esports can spark an interest in STEM fields by providing opportunities to engage with technology, coding, and game design14. Students involved in esports may be more likely to pursue careers in computer science, engineering, or other technology-related fields.
• Inclusion: Esports programs can reach a diverse population of students, including those who may not participate in traditional sports or extracurricular activities13. This can create a more inclusive school environment and foster a sense of belonging for all students.
• Soft Skills Development: Esports provides many opportunities for growth and learning, such as the creation and practice of “soft skills,” including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity15. These are highly sought-after skills by employers in today’s job market15.

Challenges of High School Esports

While esports programs offer many benefits, there are also challenges to consider:

• Cost: Esports programs require specialized equipment, software, and potentially dedicated facilities, which can be expensive16. Schools may need to seek funding through grants, sponsorships, or fundraising efforts. One possible solution to the challenge of funding is to seek partnerships with local businesses or organizations that may be willing to donate or sponsor equipment16.
• Technical Issues: Esports programs rely on technology, which can be prone to technical difficulties16. Schools need to have adequate IT support to address connectivity issues, equipment malfunctions, and software problems. While technical issues can be disruptive, overcoming these challenges can be a valuable learning experience for students. Developing skills to troubleshoot technical issues, working collaboratively to find solutions, and adapting to changing circumstances are all highly transferable skills applicable to other fields16.
• Health Concerns: Excessive screen time and a sedentary lifestyle can be concerns with esports17. Schools should encourage healthy gaming habits, including taking breaks, maintaining good posture, and balancing esports with physical activity. To address health concerns, schools should promote healthy gaming habits, such as taking regular breaks, maintaining good posture, getting enough sleep, and balancing esports with physical activity12.
• Gender Imbalance: Esports has traditionally been a male-dominated activity2. Schools should strive to create inclusive programs that encourage participation from all genders. This can be achieved by providing opportunities for female students to participate in leadership roles, offering workshops or training sessions specifically for girls, and promoting female esports role models.
• Parent Concerns: Some parents may have concerns about the time commitment, potential for addiction, or lack of physical activity associated with esports18. However, it’s important to emphasize the positive aspects, such as skill development, social interaction, and academic benefits. Schools can address these concerns by promoting healthy gaming habits, providing educational resources for parents, and emphasizing the educational value of esports programs.

Starting a High School Esports Program

Starting a high school esports program requires careful planning and organization. Here are some key steps to consider:

1. Gauge Student Interest: Determine the level of interest in esports among students. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, or by observing existing gaming clubs19.
2. Secure Funding and Resources: Identify potential funding sources, such as grants, sponsorships, or fundraising events20. Determine the necessary equipment, software, and facilities. Consider the space and facilities needed for the esports program. This could include a dedicated esports lab with high-performance gaming stations, or it could involve utilizing existing computer labs or classrooms21.
3. Find a Mentor: Recruit a teacher or staff member to serve as a mentor or coach for the esports program22. This person should have an interest in esports and a passion for working with students.
4. Choose Games and Platforms: Select games that are popular among students and appropriate for the school environment19. Consider the platforms available (PC, console, mobile) and the associated costs.
5. Establish a Structure: Create a team structure, including roles such as players, coaches, and managers19. Develop a practice schedule and guidelines for participation.
6. Promote the Program: Spread the word about the esports program through announcements, flyers, and social media23. To recruit players, consider putting up flyers around the school, making announcements during school assemblies or in classrooms, and reaching out to students in existing gaming clubs19.
7. Connect with IT: Collaborate with the school’s IT department to ensure that the necessary technology infrastructure is in place. This includes having adequate internet bandwidth, reliable network connectivity, and appropriate security measures23.
8. Build a Fanbase: Once the program is established, consider ways to build a fanbase and engage the community. This could involve hosting esports events, organizing fundraisers, or partnering with local businesses20.

Scholarships and Opportunities for High School Esports Athletes

High school esports athletes have access to a growing number of scholarships and opportunities:

• College Scholarships: Many colleges and universities offer esports scholarships to talented high school gamers24. These scholarships can help cover tuition, fees, and other expenses. Esports scholarships typically range from $500 to $10,000, with the average award hovering around $2,00025.
• HSEL Nationals: The High School Esports League (HSEL) offers scholarships to students who participate in their national tournaments26. HSEL has distributed over $700,000 in scholarships26.
• Career Pathways: Esports can lead to various career paths, including game design, programming, broadcasting, marketing, and event management27. There’s much more to the industry than just turning pro as a player. Other career options include:
• Digital Design: Creating visual elements for games, websites, and marketing materials.
• Game Design and Programming: Developing and coding video games.
• Web and Digital Communication: Managing online content, social media, and websites for esports organizations.
• Entrepreneurship: Starting and running esports-related businesses, such as teams, leagues, or gaming centers.
• General Management: Overseeing the operations of esports organizations or teams.
• Higher Education: Esports can provide a pathway to higher education. Many colleges and universities now have esports programs, and participation in high school esports can demonstrate a student’s commitment, skills, and potential to college recruiters15.

Conclusion

High school esports is a rapidly growing phenomenon that offers numerous benefits for students. By developing essential skills, fostering social-emotional learning, and providing pathways to higher education and careers, esports programs are enriching the high school experience for a new generation of students. While challenges exist, the potential rewards of high school esports make it a valuable addition to any school’s extracurricular offerings.

The future of high school esports looks bright. As the esports industry continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see even more opportunities for students to participate in competitive gaming. This may include the development of esports curricula, the integration of esports into academic subjects, and the growing recognition of esports as a legitimate pathway to college and careers. High school esports has the potential to not only enhance the educational experience for students but also to prepare them for the demands of a rapidly changing digital world.

Works cited

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