Classroom

Assets That Can Make or Break the Case for Esports in K–12 Schools

Win support for an investment in esports and convince students to join the team. Here’s how the right setup and key visualizations can make a difference.

Jen Dawson

Jen Dawson is an esports solution specialist at CDW•G with a product and partnership focus. A gamer since she received her first NES game system more than 25 years ago, Jen will support the education team in building upon successes in the esports space. She previously worked as a field seller at Dell Technologies, has experience with a value-added reseller in the Carolinas, and taught English in Thailand and Cambodia.

Josh Whetherholt

Josh Whetherholt is an education learning environment adviser for CDW•G’s esports initiative. A former member of the business development team, Josh supported both K–12 and higher education institutions focusing on e-commerce and e-procurement initiatives. Josh’s background in education and gaming, as well as his experience coaching and competing in sports, allow him to understand the complexity and nuance of competitive esports programs at the K–12 and collegiate levels.

To justify an investment in esports, the school board and other high-level administrators will need to approve the formation of a K–12 team. Despite the growth of esports at the K–12 level, when it comes to starting a team, some stakeholders are harder to convince. Whether the oppositional voice comes from an administrator or a skeptical school board, there are ways to make the case for esports.

First, you’ll need to find a location for your arena and decide how you’ll equip your team. Talk with the district’s maintenance and facilities staff to find the best space to host practices. The IT department is also a helpful resource, as the team will know which programs in the building already have more robust computer setups that are available for after-school use.

The experts at CDW can help you decide on the right equipment for your team’s needs. With a flexible, vendor-agnostic approach, a third-party company like CDW has esports players’ best interests in mind when choosing appropriate tech setups.

But beyond all these considerations, there’s one asset that can help tip the scales when it comes to rallying support for an esports program.

Click the banner to learn more about starting or enhancing your K–12 esports program.