Open/Switch Enrollment for APS Employees is October 1 through 16
Albuquerque Public Schools
Esports
Esports is a competition between individuals or teams and is now an NMAA-approved activity open to all high school students.
About Esports
What are the benefits of Esports?
If you are wondering how video games can be beneficial, you aren't alone! However, research shows that organized esports programs provide students with distinct advantages in three key areas:
- Cognitive Skills: Improved spatial awareness, multitasking, and fast-paced decision-making.
- Social Skills: Enhanced teamwork and communication abilities.
- Future Pathways: Access to STEM opportunities and college scholarships.
The Power of Belonging Beyond the skills, esports provides a vital outlet for students who may struggle to find their place in traditional school activities. This sense of belonging frequently leads to measurable improvements in behavior, social connection, and grades.
Future of Esports
While some form of video game competition has been around since Pong was first created in the early 1970s, esports has only been around in earnest for about a decade. Esports competitions have grown from a few dozen players and spectators in a warehouse to being live-streamed to hundreds of millions worldwide! In-person events are attended by hundreds of thousands of fans each year and as of 2019, there are 2 dedicated esports arenas, one in Los Angeles and one in Las Vegas.
While all of that sounds exciting, the really good news is that colleges around the world have started offering scholarships for students to play esports on their teams. In 2018 there were around 200 colleges that offered a combined $15 million in scholarships for playing esports, with the average student receiving about $4,800 a year! Colleges are also creating new curriculums around the esports industry, which is estimated to exceed $1 billion annually by 2020. Some colleges are offering courses and programs in esports management, marketing, and business, as well as established programs such as video game design and computer programming.
Our Mission and Vision
APS Esports is committed to offering our high school students the opportunity to participate in esports by providing an equitable playing field across the district, a platform for educational and personal growth, and skills needed for career and life.
Through esports, we will help our students realize their full potential by providing inclusion, enabling collaboration, improving confidence, inspiring excellence, and preparing them to become caring individuals and global citizens.
Did You Know?
- Esports is now an NMAA-approved activity
- 300+ higher education institutions offer scholarships to players
- $50 million worth of scholarships were awarded to esports players last year
- 640+ million people will watch esports by 2025 on live-streaming platforms
Contact Esports
Main Phone:
505-630-7318
Email:
esports@aps.edu
Physical Address:
Quick Links
- Want esports at your school or interested in volunteering? Email us at esports@aps.edu!
- Interested in coaching, submit the APS Esports Coach Interest Form (GForm)
- NMAA Esports Website