Game On! Designing a Launch-Ready Scholastic Esports Program

Ready to bring scholastic esports to your school but unsure where to start? Skip the note-taking and start building. In this hands-on session, you become the program architect. After a brief look at inclusivity and STEAM career pathways, you will work alongside fellow educators to audit your site's technology, staffing, and goals using the Esports Program Readiness Evaluation. Together, we will draft a student-led Code of Conduct, map an equitable 9-week competitive calendar, and remix recruitment flyers using live templates. You will also test accessible alternatives such as Minecraft Education to overcome hardware barriers without expensive PC rigs. Along the way, you will learn to align your program with career pathways like game design and event production, balance practices and match days with social-emotional activities, and recruit beyond elite gamers by defining roles such as strategist, analyst, and manager. You will leave with a concrete, site-ready framework to launch a thriving esports community on your campus.