Delaware is launching a statewide educational esports program for K-12 students, aimed at promoting teamwork, critical thinking, and STEM skills.

This initiative, led by the Delaware Department of Education, is a collaboration with local universities — Delaware State University, Goldey-Beacom College, University of Delaware, and Wilmington University — and a Delaware-based esports organization, Futures First Gaming.

Starting in January, the program will feature virtual competitions during the winter and spring seasons. These competitions will culminate in March and April with in-person championship invitationals hosted at each participating institution. The program will include five esports titles, offering diverse challenges for students of all skill levels.

“Esports provides new avenues for student engagement, learning, and growth,” said Secretary of Education Mark Holodick. “This partnership with Delaware’s higher education institutions and esports organizations supports our commitment to integrating technology in education and enhances students’ educational experiences through competitive and team-based esports.”

The program also aims to connect students with university settings, exposing them to Delaware’s higher education academic programs, collegiate esports, and potential career paths in the gaming industry and beyond.

“We are excited to bring this dynamic program to Delaware’s students,” said Kiernan Ensor, University of Delaware Esports Coordinator and Head Coach. “We hope to encourage more students to consider higher education and explore the growing esports field by hosting these championships.”

Jeremy Benoit, Director of Athletics at Goldey-Beacom College, emphasized the benefits: “This is a tremendous opportunity for esports student-athletes to compete for championships while becoming familiar with the institutions of higher education in their state. We are proud to work collaboratively with our fellow institutions to provide this opportunity.”

Stephen Sye, CEO and co-founder of Futures First Gaming, highlighted the educational value of esports: “At Futures First Gaming, we believe esports is more than just gaming—it’s a gateway to critical skill development, teamwork, and career exploration in STEM and digital industries. We are thrilled to partner with the Delaware Department of Education and our state’s higher education institutions to empower K-12 students through competitive scholastic esports.”

For more information on the Delaware K-12 Scholastic Esports Program and the upcoming season schedule, contact Alyssa Moore, the department’s digital learning education associate.

The integration of esports into the educational curriculum is a significant step forward in modernizing education and making it more engaging for students. Here are some additional aspects of this program that make it particularly noteworthy:

Career Pathways

The program not only focuses on the competitive aspect of esports but also on the career opportunities it can provide. Students will be exposed to various pathways such as game design, programming, digital design, and even business management within the esports industry. This exposure can inspire students to pursue careers in these fields, contributing to the growth of the digital economy.

Community Engagement

By hosting in-person championship invitationals at local universities, the program fosters community engagement and provides students with a sense of belonging to a larger esports community. This can lead to stronger bonds between students, schools, and local institutions, promoting a supportive and competitive environment.

Academic Integration

The esports program is designed to complement the existing curriculum, enhancing skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are not only beneficial in the gaming arena but also in other academic and professional contexts. By integrating esports into the educational framework, Delaware is setting a precedent for how technology and gaming can be leveraged to improve educational outcomes.

Accessibility

The program ensures that students of all skill levels can participate by offering a variety of esports titles. This inclusivity is crucial in making sure that every student has the opportunity to engage with the program, regardless of their prior experience with gaming.

Future Expansion

The success of this program could pave the way for further expansion and innovation in educational esports. As more students and schools get involved, there will be opportunities to introduce new games, create more competitive leagues, and develop additional educational content that aligns with the esports curriculum.

Overall, Delaware’s statewide educational esports program is a forward-thinking initiative that combines education, technology, and competition to provide students with a unique and enriching experience.