Ysleta ISD is getting a $100,000 boost from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to expand its high school Esports program, giving more students the opportunity to connect, compete, and explore careers in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
In 2022, Ysleta ISD became the first in El Paso to introduce Esports into its curriculum. Now in its fourth year, Esports continues to engage students by building teamwork and friendships through gaming while helping improve attendance, motivation, and peer connections.
Powering Play with $100K
Due to resource constraints, Ysleta ISD’s Esports program has served a limited number of students at each high school campus. But with the $100,000 TWC grant, the program will expand to serve more students across participating high schools and connect communities via streamed competitions throughout the school year.
Students will also gain experience in event planning, networking, and showcasing skills during competitive tournaments, and have the opportunity to go on field trips to the STEAM Discovery Center and Fab Lab, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and La Nube, among others.
Leveling Up Student Opportunities
The grant will also help deepen STEM engagement by linking students’ interest in gaming to career pathways in digital media, game design, streaming, event management, marketing, and software development. A specialized curriculum will guide students through key elements of the Esports and digital entertainment industries while developing teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
In addition, partnerships with local universities, businesses, and military organizations will help students explore college and career opportunities within Esports and its related industries, possibly through guest speakers, professional mentorships, and access to regional/national Esports leagues.
Fueling Connection Through Esports
By creating a more vibrant and engaging Esports ecosystem at Ysleta ISD, the district is building a greater sense of community and school spirit, promoting healthy competition, and providing students with a well-rounded experience that extends beyond the virtual arena.
TWC is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For more information on TWC and its services, visit https://twc.texas.gov/.