Delaware has launched a statewide educational esports program for K-12 students that aims to promote teamwork, critical thinking and STEM skills through competitive scholastic gaming.
The Delaware Department of Education is partnering with local universities – Delaware State University, Goldey-Beacom College, University of Delaware and Wilmington University – and a Delaware-based esports organization, Futures First Gaming. Starting this month, the program 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. Five esports titles will provide diverse challenges for students of all skill levels.
Delaware has launched a statewide educational esports program for K-12 students that aims to promote teamwork, critical thinking and STEM skills through competitive scholastic gaming.Â
The Delaware Department of Education is partnering with local universities – Delaware State University, Goldey-Beacom College, University of Delaware and Wilmington University – and a Delaware-based esports organization, Futures First Gaming. Starting this month, the program 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. 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 in a statement. “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 initiative also aims to connect 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 beyond.Â
“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.”
Jeremy Benoit, director athletics at Goldey-Beacom, said students will benefit on multiple fronts.
“This is going to be a tremendous opportunity for esports student-athletes across our great state to compete for championships while also becoming more familiar with the institutions of higher education in their backyards that are eager to prepare them for life after high school,” he said. “And we are grateful and proud to be able to work collaboratively with our fellow IHEs to provide this opportunity.”
Stephen Sye, chief executive officer and co-founder of Futures First Gaming, said esports support students’ academic development:
“At Futures First Gaming, we believe esports is more than just gaming—it’s a gateway to critical skill development, teamwork, and career exploration in STEM and digital industries," Sye said in a statement. "We are thrilled to partner with the Delaware Department of Education and our state’s higher education institutions to empower K12 students through competitive scholastic esports. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire, educate, and prepare the next generation for success in an evolving digital economy.”
