Experts agree that the benefits of esports are varied and growing along with this exciting field.  On top of thrilling competitions, the opportunity to capitalize on a favorite hobby, and joining amazing gaming communities worldwide, kids can learn and grow through eSports.

A recent article published by Virginia at iD Tech, highlights some of the key benefits eSports has on children and teenagers. 

“There’s no question that kids love all things video games, but are esports good for kids? Yes, they are! Experts agree that the benefits of esports are varied and growing along with this exciting field. On top of thrilling competitions, the opportunity to capitalize on a favorite hobby, and joining amazing gaming communities worldwide, kids can learn and grow through esports.”

College scholarship opportunities 

Millions of dollars of scholarships, to be specific.

“Not only are there 175 colleges that have varsity esports programs (something that was virtually unheard of just a few years ago), kids can actually earn a degree in esports.

Colleges around the country are expanding their offerings in part to keep up with the skyrocketing popularity of esports, and it’s one of many avenues to pursue higher education in fields like game design and programming.”

Works Cited

Students who are interested in esports have a higher tendency to be academic achievers and interested in high-paying, STEM fields valued by employers.

A recent article published by Bob Venero, Forbes Technology Council Member, and CEO Future Tech Enterprise, Inc., addresses why Esports is good for schools, students, and even employers.

“While the general public is still largely unaware of the growing prevalence of esports, it’s a form of sports competition that’s very strongly on the radar for most college administrators.

According to the National Association of Collegiate Esports, more than 170 U.S. colleges have varsity esports programs and are offering around $16 million per year in scholarships. College esports tournament organizer Tespa notes that its competitions attract more than 1,350 schools and more than 40,000 players. It has also awarded more than $3 million in tournament winnings.”

Families earning $50,000 or less, middle and lower-income households cited cost as the top reason their kids don’t participate in organized sports.

An article published by Aimee Picchi, a writer from MoneyWatch, discusses the rising cost of playing youth sports, coupled with rising economic inequality, and how these factors are increasingly leading poor and even middle-class families unable to afford their children to participate in sports.

Works Cited

Even Short-Term Spells of Poverty Lower School-Aged Children’s Involvement in Extracurricular Activities

An article published by Brian Knop, a sociologist in the Census Bureau’s Center for Economic Studies, presented findings from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP).