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The sense of inclusion gained through participation in esports at school can have far-reaching benefits. 
Educators know that taking part in extracurricular activities boosts student success. Regardless of the activity whether a talent show, a basketball team, meet up for engineering enthusiasts or movie buffs, studies have shown that students who are involved in extracurricular activities are more successful in a number of ways.
  • Involved kids miss less school and graduate at a higher rate.
  • Students do better in math and reading and more often aspire to higher education.
  • Students that join activities are more likely to pay attention in class.
  • They care more about their education.
  • The feelings of acceptance gained through joining school activities like esports safeguard students’ physical as well as mental health. For one thing, strong social connections boost immune function. 
  • They also feel better about themselves and engage in fewer harmful behaviors
  • ​Participation: More than 80% of esports teams are made up of students who had never participated in extra-curricular activities prior to esports, giving the untraditional student-athlete the opportunity to experience leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, social skills, and pride through athletic competition.
  • Attendance: Esports student-athletes attendance significantly improves as they feel more connected and look forward to going to school.
  • Academic Performance: Esports participation has the capability to change a student’s entire academic trajectory, helping to increase their GPA by an average of 1.7 points.
  • Teamwork: Through deepened levels of interaction, cooperative learning and working in groups, participants learn to communicate and work more effectively with others.
  • Sense of Community: The inclusiveness and accessibility of esports allows students to come together over a common passion while providing access to positive adult mentors.
  • Coursework Alignment: Game Design, Graphic and Multimedia Design, Technological Communication, and Cybersecurity programs align with an esports curriculum.
  • Real-World Experience: Students spend hours analyzing data, game statistics, and strategies, providing real-world experience and application for in-demand job skills—the same attributes colleges and employers are looking for in high school graduates.
Benefits of Esports in Education Esports in schools is at the confluence of some of the most important drivers in education. A well-implemented esports program can promote student engagement, college recruitment, and retention by blending online and offline campus experiences–which ultimately prepares students for future careers.