From Playgrounds to Pixels: The Benefits of Introducing eSports inEducation

When we imagine sports it typically involves a field or court, but as technology evolves these students are bringing that change to the world of team sports.

GEO Next Generation High School is creating a new space for students to build community, develop career-ready skills, and find a sense of belonging through their new eSports team.

Named after the school’s mascot, the Tigers’ team consists of two squads that compete against other schools in East Baton Rouge Parish (EBR). The team is a fresh alternative to the typical high school sports scene but works to instill similar fundamental skills. The Tigers’ practices will focus on honing gaming skills and fostering teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking, all skills crucial for youth development.

As the Tigers compete against other schools in EBR, they’re joining a growing movement of eSports teams nationwide. Since 2018, nearly 8,600 high schools have introduced competitive gaming programs, and the trend continues to build momentum. Locally, eSports in EBR surged in popularity in 2021 when students began organizing teams during the pandemic, discovering a new way to connect and stay engaged when traditional activities were put on hold. GEO Next Generation is now one of the few charter schools tapping into eSports to broaden extracurricular opportunities for students.

Students on the Tigers’ team are gaining valuable skills beyond the screen. eSports requires intense focus, rapid decision-making, and an ability to strategize as a team, attributes that are critical in many career paths. GEO Next Generation hopes to leverage the success of its eSports program as a recruitment tool, attracting students interested in gaming.