In September 2023, Goldey-Beacom added an esports degree program, specifically a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in eSports & Gaming Administration. Five esports titles will provide diverse challenges for students of all skill levels. The transferrable skills that students learn can’t be understated either,” Perry Keith said. “Skills such as leadership, […]
In September 2023, Goldey-Beacom added an esports degree program, specifically a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in eSports & Gaming Administration.
Five esports titles will provide diverse challenges for students of all skill levels.
The transferrable skills that students learn can’t be understated either,” Perry Keith said. “Skills such as leadership, multi-tasking, problem-solving, time management, and collaboration can be learned through esports and are widely-valued skills for employment in any field.”
Friday, the department announced it’s partnering with Delaware State University, Goldey-Beacom College, University of Delaware, and Wilmington University to launch a statewide educational esports program.
It’s for K12 students and aims to foster teamwork, critical thinking and STEM skills through competitive scholastic sports.
Sye said this initiative aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission to inspire, educate, and prepare the next generation for success in an evolving digital economy.”
In August 2023, Saint Mark’s High School launched a state-of-the-art esports center, to feed into the multibillion-dollar industry that is becoming increasingly ingrained in schools with some students clamoring to pursue a career in the field.
Esports is booming in popularity, with several schools in Delaware opening esports labs and colleges implementing esports curriculums or degrees – and now the state’s Department of Education is hopping on the keyboard.
As one of the pioneers in starting an esports program before many others, Ruffini said Saint Mark’s has long recognized the benefits of esports to high school students.
“Saint Mark’s High School is thrilled to join a league of local schools in promoting the growing world of esports,” said Chris Ruffini, esports manager.
Boost in esports popularity
Share this Post“Students have been introduced to skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking, and critical thinking,” Ruffini said. “We’re excited to see more schools embrace esports and are looking forward to the competition that this league will bring.”
He said it’s inspiring to see how the program is creating opportunities and connections for students across the region.”
Starting this month, the new state 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.
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The state’s esports program launches this month. (Photos of Saint Mark’s esports lab, taken by Jarek Rutz)“Esports opens up new avenues for student engagement, learning, and growth,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said in a news release.
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Gaming is a 0 billion global industry, outpacing film and music combined, and is rapidly transforming education,” said Futures First Gaming Chief Technology Officer Malcolm Coley.
Another group involved in the partnership is Wilmigton-based Futures First Gaming.
“Esports both as a competitive enterprise and as a career field has gained in popularity over the years, and GBC is delighted to offer both an esports team and an academic program,” said Goldey-Beacom President Colleen Perry Keith. “It offers a wide range of career opportunities beyond playing – programmers, analysts, coaches, event organizers, graphic design, marketing, and commentator are a few of the career opportunities.”
“With over million in annual esports scholarships and games that can extend into education like Minecraft, it has introduced over 35 million students to coding,” he said. “Gaming is not just entertainment—it’s a gateway to STEM, critical thinking, and future-ready careers.”
“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,” said Futures First Gaming and CEO Stephen Sye, CEO.
He said the collaboration with Delaware institutes of higher education and Delaware esports organizations not only supports the state’s ongoing commitment to integrating technology in education but also enhances students’ educational experiences through competitive and team-based esports.
Goldey Beacom Director of Athletics Jeremy Benoit said students will benefit on multiple fronts.
