The Delaware Department of Education is partnering with local universities and a Delaware-based esports organization to launch a statewide educational esports program for K-12 students.
The department is working with Delaware State University, Goldey-Beacom College, University of Delaware, and Wilmington University and Futures First Gaming on a program that will feature virtual competitions during the winter and spring seasons, culminating in March and April with in-person championship invitationals hosted at each participating institution.
The department said that the program will foster teamwork, critical thinking, and STEM skills through competitive scholastic sports, and said that the five esports titles will “provide diverse challenges for students of all skill levels.”
“Esports opens up new avenues for student engagement, learning, and growth,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “This collaboration with Delaware institutes of higher education and Delaware esports organizations not only supports our ongoing commitment to integrating technology in education but also enhances our students’ educational experiences through competitive and team-based esports.”
The Department of Education noted an additional benefit of the new program – connecting K-12 students with university settings, exposing them to Delaware higher education academic programs and campuses, collegiate esports, and potential career paths connected to the gaming industry and other technology fields.
“We are excited to bring such a dynamic program to Delaware’s students,” University of Delaware Esports Coordinator and Head Coach Kiernan Ensor said. “We hope to encourage more students to consider higher education and explore the growing esports field by hosting these championships.”
