The Scholastic Esports SmartBrief is published weekly and includes articles and information related to scholastic esports, STEM education, SEL, NASEF programs, and more. If you don’t already, subscribe here. 

Each month, NASEF partners with SmartBrief to ask educators how scholastic esports is impacting student learning, school culture, and future-ready skills.

Here’s a summary of recent surveys. They highlight growth in college pathways, strong community engagement, and continued enthusiasm for esports as a powerful learning tool.

College & Career Pathways

Esports continues to open real opportunities for students:

• 66.67% say seniors have committed to a college esports team
• 50% say their students would major in AI if offered

These findings show the momentum in building college pathways through esports programs.

Funding

Schools are resourceful, but uneven funding persists:

• 46.16% have raised funds to attend events
• 22.23% have received grants
• 30.77% say their community contributed gear

Esports continues to benefit from grassroots support, even as many programs seek more formal funding.

Technology & Equipment

Schools are adapting to accessibility and tech needs:

• 57.15% of educators are experienced in streaming or shoutcasting
• 42.86% offer adaptive gaming equipment
• 31.25% have student-led tech support programs
• **Summer device handling varies widely:
   50% collect devices, 25% allow students to keep them, 25% use other systems

These tech-literate environments are helping students develop real-world digital skills.

Student Health, Well-Being, & Impact

Esports continues to support belonging, confidence, and community:

• 92.86% say students take pride in their esports club
• 72.73% say players form online friendships
• 69.57% report inclusion of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• 44.45% say players have experienced online bullying
• 45.45% never take exercise breaks, showing room for healthier gaming habits

Esports remains a strong driver of connection and inclusion for many students. The Esports Health & Wellness Certification Program addresses online bullying by promoting healthier communication and discussing injury prevention and physical wellness for players who rarely take exercise breaks. 

Student Interests & Culture

A fun snapshot of the esports community:

• 61.54% participate in other extracurriculars
• Minecraft leads as players’ favorite game (45%)

Esports remains a cultural touchpoint that blends creativity, humor, and diverse interests.

Competition

Programs are gaining deeper competitive experience:

• 54.16% have competed at the state level
• 82.36% say players also play chess
• 40% of teams have existed for more than five years

These numbers reflect the growing maturity of scholastic esports programs.

Gaming Trends & the Future

Looking forward, educators and students are thinking about the next wave:

• 46.16% would consider using an AI esports coach
• Students show strong interest in esports in the Olympics (57.15%)
• **Excitement varies widely at the team level

Esports continues to evolve with the growth of coaching and competitive events.

Stay Up-to-date with Scholastic Esports SmartBrief 

SmartBrief x NASEF surveys show sustained growth and enthusiasm across esports programs. Students are more engaged, programs are more inclusive, and schools are using esports to prepare learners for technology-rich future careers. Stay in touch with these and other trends by subscribing to NASEF’s Scholastic Esports SmartBrief.