Designing and creating versatile, multi-purpose esports labs and educational spaces
Esports
Esports in K-12 Education Sees Rapid Growth
ELITE Gaming and ComSource specialize in providing comprehensive, turn-key esports program solutions for school districts.
Why choose ELITE Gaming and ComSource for Your District’s Esports Program?
With over ten years of combined esports experience at all levels, ELITE Gaming has successfully assisted school districts across the region in launching, building, maintaining, and expanding their esports programs. ELITE Gaming provides comprehensive solutions, including:
Procuring top-tier equipment and furniture to ensure longevity and durability
Professional development and support for staff to ensure program success and growth
Esports program support and online student coaching for sustainable student success
League and club support to ensure smooth competition and club operations
In collaboration with ComSource, New York’s premier provider of hardware and technology solutions, we supply the latest technology and equipment to ensure your program is future-ready and fully supported at every level.
ELITE Gaming and ComSource are your trusted partners in creating and sustaining your successful esports program that leaves a lasting, positive impact on your students and community.
Districts Succeed with ELITE Gaming & ComSource
‘ELITE Gaming have been absolutely outstanding! Our Esports team has competed and placed in several tournaments and we cannot speak more highly of ELITE and the top quality experience they consistently provide our students. Their energy and enthusiasm is infectious!
Thomas Colabufo, Superintendent – Central Square School District
We truly enjoy working with everyone at ELITE Gaming. They are knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate, and have built an incredibly meaningful program that gives our local schools the chance to compete in Esports. At CBA, Esports has been such an amazing opportunity for our students. It is a safe and structured environment where students feel welcome, especially those who have not found their place in traditional sports or clubs.
Maria Reed, Educational Technology Coordinator – CBA Academy
This program has allowed for unique opportunities to create new friendships, learn employable skills in a way that is memorable for them, and has allowed students to find their place in a competitive environment within a school setting. ELITE Gaming has done a wonderful job pioneering this effort in New York, and offers a state of the art facility for students to really experience the atmosphere of playing in championship level events.
Will Lamont, Esports Co-Supervisor – Canastota School District
Participating in esports at school offers a fantastic opportunity for students not involved in traditional sports to experience being part of a team. They learn the invaluable skills of depending on one another, cheering for their teammates, and practicing online etiquette. It’s a truly engaging way to foster teamwork and digital citizenship in a fun, competitive environment.
Ellen Pristash, Library Media Specialist LMS – Onondaga Central School District
Competing with ELITE has been an amazing experience, especially during play-offs and tournaments when the kids play in person in the arena. There is an electricity in the air when competing in the huge open space of the arena. Esports has provided a social and competitive environment for a group of young people who previously had limited or no access. It has created a small community in a large school where everyone feels valued and welcome.
Kevin Lloyd – Cicero North Syracuse School District
Beyond the Game:
9 Reasons to Integrate Scholastic Esports Into Your School District
15%
increase in daily attendance among esports program participants
80%
of students who sign up for esports & gaming clubs have never participated in school activities
esports athletes are
3x
more likely to pursue STEM careers than non-participants
3.0+
average GPA of esports athletes in order to meet eligibility requirements
200+
colleges actively recruiting student athletes to compete in their esports programs
25M
in scholarships awarded to esports athletes in 2024
71%
of parents say gaming has a positive net effect for their children if done in a
structured setting
90%
of students in structured scholastic esports programs graduate on time
esports athletes are
20%
more likely to apply to a college than non-participants
Esports:
A Strong Investment in Your Students’ Current and Future Success
INCREASED ATTENDANCE
Research shows that students who participate in esports attend school an average of 7.34 more days per year than non- participants, and experience 33.5% lower absenteeism rates (source: nasef.org). In fact, one survey of esports league participants found that 80% reported being more likely to come to school, with average attendance increasing by 1-2 days over just two weeks.
ENGAGEMENT & SOCIAL SKILLS
Increased Engagement and Social Emotional Growth: Esports provides a compelling reason for students to attend school. Many students who are not interested in traditional school activities find a niche and feel a sense of belonging in esports. This newfound interest and connection make them more likely to show up for school consistently.
SCHOOL CULTURE
Improved School Culture: Esports, like traditional sports, can become a focal point of school culture, creating a sense of pride and community. Pep rallies, tournaments, and inter-school rivalries related to esports can energize students and boost overall school spirit, further contributing to a positive school environment and increased attendance.
CONNECTING TO CAREERS
Connection to Academic and Career Pathways: Esports can be linked to academic subjects like STEAM and CTE, offering students a practical way to learn. By connecting their passion for gaming with academic and career opportunities, students experience a boost in motivation and engagement, which can lead to improved attendance.
INCLUSIVE
Inclusive Environment: Esports offer an inclusive environment where students of all ages, genders, and backgrounds can participate and succeed. This inclusivity can help students who feel alienated in other areas of school life find a sense of belonging and community, which can motivate them to attend school more regularly.
“Over the past decade, the landscape of K-12 esports has evolved from grassroots clubs into comprehensive, district-wide initiatives supported by national and international leagues. Perhaps the biggest driver of this has been the cultural relevance and student demand for esports activity. Generation Z students have grown up with gaming as a central form of entertainment and socialization, and esports leverages this intrinsic interest to drive engagement.
Colin Homer Gillespie – The Renaissance Network