Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are always finding new ways to make learning more exciting and useful for the real world. One of the coolest things happening right now? Esports! It’s not just about playing video games, it is helping students learn teamwork, leadership, and technical skills that can lead to careers.

 

The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) has worked closely with NASEF to follow NASEF frameworks as they implement their scholastic esports program. At the recent RCOE Esports Event (PEEL), students weren’t just gamers, they ran the whole show. Hosted by Val Verde Unified School District CTE and the Riverside County Office of Education, the event showed how different CTE programs can come together to create something amazing. Students from video production, graphic design, engineering, business, and even hospitality teamed up to handle everything from lighting, sound, marketing, to even running the tournament itself. They basically made it feel like a professional esports event! “This is way more than just gaming,” says Doug Henderson, Director of STEAM. “It’s about giving students real-world experience in event planning, media production, and business while also having fun and making connections."  See the extensive student planning that made this event a reality.

 

 

Check out this video featuring PEEL event highlights.

 

By working together, students are getting hands-on experience in careers like tech, media, and business. Plus, they’re learning leadership and problem-solving skills that will help them in the future. Esports in school aren’t just good for students, but it also gets parents involved and brings support from local businesses and industry leaders. People are starting to see that these student-run events are preparing the next generation for real jobs. As esports keeps growing, CTE programs are proving that learning doesn’t have to be boring. It can be fun, interactive, and actually help students get ready for their future careers. If you want to know more about the CTE Esports Program in Riverside County, CA, reach out to Doug Henderson or visit www.VVUSD.edu. Access NASEF's CTE curriculum free, and explore a variety of esports career pathways. 

 

Victoria Lopez

Citrus Hill High School

CTE Leadership Student