Start Early, Play Big: An Esports Pipeline From Elementary and Beyond

Don't wait until high school to build your esports program! This Mobile Mega Share shows how one district scaled a small pilot into three clubs serving more than 400 students in grades 3-8 using its EPIC Esports framework (Engaging Players in Inclusive Competitions). Learn how to structure weekly agendas that blend skill-building in Minecraft, Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. with authentic career connections like graphic design, data analysis and shoutcasting, helping young players grow from isolated gamers into collaborative teammates. Explore data-driven recruitment strategies that promote equity, including female and special education inclusion, along with approaches to digital citizenship. Walk away with a toolkit that includes seasonal Gamer's Guides, 10-week curriculum blueprints, low-cost hardware lists using Nintendo Switches, secure server configurations, recruitment rubrics, application templates and funding strategies to build an inclusive pipeline toward high school, collegiate and STEM career pathways.