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Empower Middle School Students Through Esports and Career Discovery

Our esports program isn’t just about gaming—it’s about equipping students with essential life skills, fostering teamwork, and preparing them to excel no matter where life takes them.

In partnership with

Partners That Trust Work ED

Everyone is Invited

Families, community members, and school staff are invited to cheer on their Esports Stars as they showcase their skills at the final Esports tournament!

Esports at a Glance

Embedded Career Discovery

Students explore diverse career paths through hands-on, practical experiences integrated into gameplay and team activities.

  • Guided practice and tailored strategies align with real-world roles in Esports, such as team management, marketing, and content creation.

  • Focused sessions on game mechanics and strategy mirror the skills needed for careers like game design and event coordination.

  • Development of critical thinking and decision-making skills applicable to fields like business, graphic design, and cinematography.

Essential Skills that Matter

We empower students to collaborate effectively and build skills that extend far beyond the gaming arena.

  • A strong emphasis on teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution, all within the context of competitive gaming environments.

  • Proven strategies for effective communication and the development of a supportive and collaborative team culture.

  • Engaging activities designed to build confidence, foster resilience, and promote a strong sense of personal accountability.

Esports Coach Certification

We provide tools and resources to create a lasting positive influence on young gamers for those looking to become coaches.

  • Comprehensive training sessions focused on coaching methods, player development strategies, and in-depth game analysis techniques.

  • Valuable insights into designing inclusive, engaging, and motivating team environments that foster success.

  • Opportunities to earn certifications that enhance professional credentials and open doors to career advancement.

Julie Mavrogeorge

Esports Implementation Architect

Julie is dedicated to helping school districts and organizations design innovative programs that prepare students for college and career success. Her collaborative initiatives deliver cutting-edge EdTech and STEAM program activations, supporting over 30 districts in establishing esports classes, clubs, and varsity programs with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Julie's tailored approach aligns elective and CTE esports content with each district’s desired student outcomes and specific program goals, creating personalized and engaging materials that prioritize health, wellness, and enhanced student engagement.

Lori Bajorek

President and CEO, National Esports Association

Lori Bajorek is president and CEO of the National Esports Association (NEA), through which she champions esports in education. She pioneered what is considered the first educational program for esports and continues to build upon her 16 years of experience creating and implementing game-centered programs for enhanced K-12 learning, including establishing academic standards and developing curriculum. She continues to work globally with school districts and leading tech partners to further esports in education, elevating student engagement, attendance, and academic success.

What makes our Esports Program different?

Career Exploration

Our program combines competitive gaming with role-based career discovery in fields like business, graphic design, game development, cinematography, and music production. Students develop teamwork and creativity, turning their passion for gaming into a foundation for future career success.

Social & Emotional Growth

Gaming goes beyond the controller. Our program helps students build strong relationships, develop empathy, and enhance emotional well-being.

Confidence & Performance

From honing skills to showcasing them in competitive events, our program is designed to build confidence and develop well-rounded individuals ready to succeed.

Program Overview

Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Esports and Team Formation

Students dive into the fundamentals of Esports and explore careers such as team management, marketing, and coaching. Using casual gaming across various titles, they practice collaboration, develop team branding (name, colors, mascot), and create a season plan. These skills mimic real-world business operations in Esports organizations.

Weeks 3-4: Rocket League / Entrepreneurship

In Rocket League, a game requiring precision teamwork and strategy, students simulate roles in Esports team management. They focus on communication, decision-making, and adapting strategies in real time. Off the field, they build skills in business planning, marketing, and audience targeting as they refine their team identity and promotional materials.

Weeks 5-6: Minecraft / Graphic Design

Minecraft’s sandbox environment allows students to explore architectural design by building parkour maps and recreating real-world spaces. They connect these challenges to graphic design careers by incorporating branding elements like logos and merch into their projects. Students learn color theory, design software basics, and how to visually market their teams.

Weeks 7-8: Super Smash Bros. / Cinematography

Super Smash Bros is a game of fast-paced competitive action and hones reflexes and strategic decision-making under pressure. Students translate these dynamics into cinematic storytelling by creating videos and interviews. They explore editing techniques, narrative crafting, and visual composition to document their Esports journey or highlight industry themes like representation and wellness.

Weeks 9-10: Mario Kart 8 / Content Creation

Mario Kart 8 is celebrated for its high-energy gameplay and entertaining commentary opportunities, making it the perfect platform for content creation. Students will explore the art of producing engaging online content, including shoutcasting, gameplay commentary, and video editing. By creating their own content, students will represent their team's personality and build a unique presence leading up to the final event.

Weeks 11-14: Culminating Event Prep

As students shift focus from individual teams to the larger tournament, they step into event management roles. Using their graphic design, video production, and music skills, they create promotional materials, trophies, and event branding. Gameplay in their chosen title helps them refine roles such as casters, referees, or tournament coordinators.

Week 15: Final Tournament Community Night

The program culminates in a community Esports event, where students showcase their career-aligned skills and competitive growth. The tournament highlights their mastery of gameplay, strategic planning, and creativity in a professional-level experience, celebrating their journey with family and peers.

How it works

Enroll Your District:

Schools can join this innovative program, creating opportunities for students to connect and compete across teams.

Our team takes care of the rest:

Our team brings all required materials and delivers tailored instruction, integrating Esports skills with career exploration and personal growth.

Celebrate with a final event:

Students demonstrate their progress through a culminating event, celebrating both their career-aligned achievements and teamwork with the local community

Bring excitement to your district

Limited spaces available

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