Stiegler EdTech (SET) and UNC Greensboro Scholastic Esports Alliance (UNCG SEA), in collaboration with the State of North Carolina, proudly announce their partnership to expand the state’s inaugural Varsity Esports & STEM League (VESL). This innovative initiative seamlessly combines competitive esports with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum tailored to the workforce, integrated into the school athletic calendar, encompassing every county and high school in North Carolina, with the full support and endorsement of the state.
The inaugural VESL tournament commences with Rocket League on November 6th. The matches will be live-streamed on the VESL YouTube channel, complete with expert commentators and a “QuadBox” multi-stream viewing experience. The live streams will run from 6 pm to 10 pm nightly during the tournament. Nearly 100 teams from over 80 schools across the state are participating. The competition begins with group play, akin to the World Cup, followed by the 1st and 2nd rounds of Qualifiers this week. Teams that progress beyond the 2nd round will qualify for Regional tournaments in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Wilmington, competing for the opportunity to advance to the State Championships in Rocket League in Greensboro this coming February. Upcoming games in the league include Super Smash Bros, Madden 24, and Valorant.
“This marks a significant turning point for the State of North Carolina as we emerge as leaders in the ‘War for Talent.’ This involves educating the next generation, enhancing our youth’s skills and, at the same time, strengthening the talent pipelines for employers seeking proficient tech talent,” comments Charlotte City Council Member and SET Chairman, Tariq Bokhari. “North Carolina will now become one of the first states to offer all its high school students an opportunity to learn coding, a development that is long overdue and promises to benefit our citizens and businesses choosing to operate within our state.”
“This Varsity Esports and STEM League is a natural extension of UNCG’s commitment to the educational advantages of esports,” remarks Dr. David Wyrick, UNCG Chief Innovation Officer. “This new partnership enables high school students not only to acquire STEM-related skills at an early stage but also prepares them for higher education and the workforce, including UNCG’s expanding esports curriculum. UNCG continues to lead in the integration of academics and esports, and we are thrilled to offer this new opportunity to students across North Carolina.”
Originating in response to the educational challenges posed by COVID-19 in 2020, VESL has engaged thousands of students in schooling, offering high school students an enjoyable, immersive platform to compete against their peers, receive coaching and mentorship, and explore workforce-relevant digital skills and emerging STEM subjects.
Participants in VESL will not only have the chance to compete and play but will also be encouraged to construct digital resumes, making them more competitive for college admissions and entry into the job market. As the program expands, students may earn high school and dual-enrollment credits and industry-recognized certifications based on their chosen modules. This allows students to acquire vital coding and STEM skills, known to increase the likelihood of pursuing STEM careers post-graduation. It also offers the potential for students to enter higher education with credits already completed, thereby reducing student debt. Furthermore, many esports athletes have been recruited by college coaches, with competitors often receiving scholarships to compete at the next level, further enhancing their financial capacity to pursue post-secondary education.
A central objective of VESL is to provide access and opportunities to students from Title 1 schools, bridging the digital divide. The program is designed to be accessible to all students through their school-issued Google Chromebooks. VESL has established direct partnerships with employers to align STEM education with industry demands, ensuring the content remains relevant. VESL empowers students to explore various career paths while remaining engaged in their education, exposing them to coding, mentors, and career prospects.
Registration is now open for the VESL Spring 2023 season. We invite you to learn more and become a part of this exciting initiative at www.VESL.gg. Let the games commence!