Aug 25 2022

Inclusive Esports Arena Helps Young Gamers Grow Connections, Learn Tech Skills

When Edison Township Public Schools in New Jersey opened a brand-new esports arena, complete with high-end computers, a competition desk, a broadcast area and a bring-your-own-game area, 400 students flocked to the space.

District leaders say they invested in the space to prepare students for careers in the burgeoning esports industry and help them build important social-emotional skills that will serve them long after they graduate.

UP NEXT: Learn how esports is helping students improve their grades and build leadership skills.

Participants

    Bernard Bragen Jr., Superintendent, Edison Township (N.J.) Public Schools

    Ralph Barca, Chief Information & Technology Officer, Edison Township (N.J.) Public Schools

    Charles Ross, Principal, Edison High School

    Dennis DeMaio, Technology Specialist, Edison Township (N.J.) Public Schools

Video Highlights

  • The brand-new arena features high-powered computers that are used for classes during the day and for esports in the afternoon.
  • Students take the lead in managing the esports arena, which imparts a sense of community and offers hands-on experience with computers.
  • District leaders note other esports benefits, such as scholarships and curriculum-aligned education that prepares students for the future.