Education vs. Competition: Finding Balance in Scholastic Esports

Should scholastic esports programs prioritize competition or student learning? The most successful programs recognize the answer is both. This poster presentation explores how to harness the excitement of competition while keeping a strong focus on academic achievement, career readiness and student development. Examine strategies for integrating esports with industry certifications, digital media production, broadcasting, STEM, leadership development and project-based learning while maintaining a healthy competitive culture. Through real-world examples, learn to build inclusive programs that engage diverse learners and create pathways to college and careers. Address common challenges such as managing stakeholder expectations and measuring impact beyond wins and losses through student growth, skill development, attendance, engagement and postsecondary opportunities. Leave with actionable ideas for aligning esports with curriculum standards, creating student leadership roles and building industry and higher education partnerships, plus a framework you can adapt whether you are launching or expanding a program of any size or budget.