EMPORIA, Kan. (WIBW) – Esports is thriving at Emporia State University (ESU), where competitive gaming meets community, scholarship, and student success.

With a growing roster of student-athletes and increased scholarship opportunities, ESU’s esports program is quickly becoming a regional standout, both on the screen and in student support.

According to a press release from ESU, currently, 30 to 45 students from a wide range of majors participate in Emporia State’s esports program, which was recently recognized as a Best College Esports Team by College Transitions.

These students compete in several titles, including Super Smash Bros., Valorant, Overwatch, and the highly successful ESU Chess team. Over the past few years, the program has seen significant growth in both participation and student engagement.

“Esports at ESU is more than just gaming—it’s about building a community where every student can belong,” said Leticia Rust, director of ESU’s Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center, CyROC. “Whether they’re seasoned competitors or new to the scene, students find teamwork, leadership, and a sense of purpose here.”

Emporia State currently offers esports scholarships to about 30 students, with awards of up to $2,000 per year. These scholarships are stackable, meaning recipients can combine them with other academic or financial aid awards.

“Our scholarships are designed to help students pursue their passion while supporting their education,” added Rust. “They reward dedication, skill, and team spirit.”

In recent tournaments, ESU teams have not only performed well but also built lasting friendships and rivalries with other universities.

“As part of Hornet esports, I have met like-minded teammates with the same competitive drive who push me every day to grow and be the best person and player I can be, said Rylan Sears, an Emporia State freshman computer science major from Ottawa. “I’ve gained knowledge and experience in the esports realm, but also learned leadership skills that will help me after graduation and into future positions.”

The program plans to expand opportunities for both in-person and online tournaments in the coming academic year, along with team tryouts this fall —a new chapter for recruiting and growing the Hornet esports community.

Esports is poised for even more momentum in Kansas. The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) is currently reviewing proposals to sanction high school esports statewide — a move that could send more passionate players to programs like ESU’s in the years ahead.

“Esports is the next frontier for student engagement,” said Rust. “As Kansas high schools bring in structured esports programs, we expect a new wave of talented players to look to Emporia State to continue their growth, on and off the screen.”

Emporia State University is hosting a new Esports + STEM Camp this summer, June 16–20, for youth ages 13–18. Campers will dive into robotics, programming, and competitive gaming inside ESU’s state-of-the-art esports arena.

Registration is just $75 and includes lunch, a T-shirt, and access to high-end gaming setups. Scholarships are available, and the deadline to register is June 9.

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If you walked into a high school classroom today, you might be in for a surprise. Instead of textbooks and chalkboards, you’ll find Windows PCs, esports tournaments, and students solving real-world challenges through gaming. With Copilot+ PCs, it’s easier than ever for teachers to engage students through educational gaming and get them ready for the digital economy.

Let’s dive into why gaming is no longer just a pastime—and how it’s powering the classroom of the future.

What is educational gaming and why is it gaining momentum?

Educational gaming is exactly what it sounds like—using digital games to teach and reinforce academic concepts. It’s also known as game-based learning, and it’s catching on fast in high schools.

Instead of zoning out during lectures, students are exploring ancient civilizations through virtual timelines, solving puzzles with algebra, or learning physics through simulated lab games. The result? More focus, more excitement, and more “aha!” moments.

Games meet students where they already are—and turn their screen time into learning time.

Game-based learning makes core subjects click

When students learn through games, they’re not just consuming content—they’re applying it.

• In math, they solve puzzles using logic and geometry.
• In science, they run experiments and see the outcomes instantly.
• In language arts, they write characters, craft stories, and analyze narratives.
• In history, they role-play through key moments in time.

Instead of memorizing facts for a test, students are immersed in the material—and they remember it better because they’ve lived it.

The tech that makes it possible: Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11

To power this kind of learning, schools need more than standard-issue laptops. That’s why so many are turning to Copilot+ PCs.

Here’s why they stand out:

• They’re fast. Up to 47% faster than the latest MacBook Air with M3¹ and 5x faster than older Windows laptops² still used in many schools. That means no lag, even with high-performance games or multitasking.
• They’re smart. They include Copilot, an AI assistant that helps students write, research, stay organized, and more.
• They’re compatible. Whether it’s esports platforms, coding tools, or creative software, most apps run smoothly on Windows.
• They’re secure and classroom-ready. With built-in protection and easy setup, IT teams can manage devices across the school, while teachers focus on teaching.

Bottom line: Copilot+ PCs help schools unlock the full potential of classroom gaming—and then some.

Esports in schools: how students are getting in the game

Esports—short for electronic sports—are organized video game competitions where students team up, train, and go head-to-head in popular games like Minecraft. Think of it as the digital cousin of varsity sports, complete with coaches, team jerseys, and high-stakes tournaments.

But it’s more than just play. Esports are giving students a chance to build confidence, sharpen their strategic thinking, and learn how to work together—whether they’re competing for bragging rights or college scholarships. For many students, especially those who don’t connect with traditional athletics, esports offer a whole new way to get involved, feel seen, and thrive.

With high-performance Copilot+ PCs powering their gameplay, students are learning valuable skills in communication, leadership, and decision-making—all while doing something they genuinely love.

Learning real-world skills through play

Gaming in the classroom isn’t just about academic subjects or after-school competition. It’s also teaching students the kinds of skills they’ll need long after graduation.

Here’s what they’re gaining:

• Critical thinking and adaptability
• Digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness
• Creative problem-solving and project management
• Storytelling, communication, and teamwork

And with Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11, students get AI-powered tools to help them write, brainstorm, and manage projects—helping to turn them into stronger thinkers and creators.

How schools are making gaming programs happen

Schools don’t need to overhaul their entire curriculum to introduce classroom gaming.

Here’s how educators are getting started:

• Investing in Copilot+ PCs for classrooms.
• Integrating game-based learning into math, science, English, and history.
• Launching esports teams with structure and mentorship.
• Training teachers to use games effectively.
• Ensuring equity so all students have access to the tech.

Some schools are even creating mobile gaming labs—carts loaded with PCs that rotate between classrooms—giving every student a turn.

Tackling concerns the smart way

Let’s address the elephant in the room: screen time, distractions, and cost. Schools are approaching these concerns with thoughtful solutions:

• Structured play: Games are integrated into lessons with clear goals and educational outcomes.
• Screen balance: Game time is scheduled alongside traditional learning and offline activities.
• Progress tracking: Teachers use game analytics to monitor growth and participation.
• Cost-effective planning: Schools take advantage of education discounts and funding programs to get started.

With the right structure, gaming becomes a tool—not a distraction.

Bartow County School System, located in the rural foothills of Georgia’s Appalachian Mountains, recently opened a 7,000-square-foot Esports Arena on the campus of Cass High School. It was designed with seating for 500, specialized esports furniture, high-powered gaming PCs, professional arena lighting, and audiovisual features that include a 220-inch LED video wall and 56,000 watts of sound. Not only will students be competing in Georgia High School Association and PlayVS sanctioned events from this arena, but they will get hands-on experience in game development, play-by-play sports announcing, theatrical lighting, and sound design. Extron AV signal switching, distribution, control, and audio technology help to make the Esports Arena a dazzling experience for players and audiences alike.

[AV Technology Manager’s Guide to Esports 2025]

“The Extron team went above and beyond to ensure the success of the project,” said Dalton Jones,
director of esports at Georgia-based education solutions company PowerUpEDU, which had overall responsibility for pulling the education technology elements of the project together. “Extron’s extensive experience outfitting esports venues with effective AV systems smoothed the way for our project. NAV Pro AV over IP is working well in the Bartow County esports arena, providing reliable AV distribution and switching.”