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Many people think of esports as something that only professional gamers do, but that’s not the case. Students engaged in esports across the country are gaining STEM-relevant experience by working on and with technology. They learn how to produce live broadcasts and streams, how to manage their school’s social media accounts, and how to optimize their gaming computers to maximize performance of the games. Students can now put those skills to use, earning college scholarships for esports, and the number of colleges offering esports degrees continues to grow.

At the High School Esports League, we view esports as a viable educational tool, and we’re seeing more and more K–12 leaders buying in as they see their students gain valuable college- and career-readiness skills. Here’s how esports are helping students play their way to college and beyond.

Boosting Motivation and Engagement

Given that students must meet certain academic requirements to participate in the High School Esports League, many schools have seen increased school attendance, some as much as 10%. Esports act as an incentive for students to maintain their eligibility by participating more in the classroom. Everyone wins!

Data has proven time and time again that the more involved kids are with school activities, the better they perform in school. Esports are particularly important for students who struggle with grades and attendance. Students who find purpose in video games have often felt neglected, but now that schools are adopting esports, these students are finding a new outlet that engages them in and out of the classroom. This leads to higher grades and better attendance.

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