This bundle includes USAEL Pathway EsportsTM for Grades 6-12 as well as support from a professional coach for two hours every week during the school year.
Channel your students’ passion for gaming into college and career opportunities with US Academic Esports League (USAEL) Pathway Esports.
Pathway Esports is a turnkey academic esports program for middle and high schools, giving teachers and students the knowledge they need to start a team, practice effectively, and enter or host competitions.
This pathway includes four courses: Pathway Esports, Career Explorations in Esports, Esports Broadcasting, and Introduction to Game Development.
Career Explorations in Esports (45 hours)
The benefits of esports aren’t just for players; there are plenty of pathways in esports careers beyond being an expert gamer. In this course, students learn about the multitude of careers in the esports industry, what a “day in the life” looks like for those professions, and the skills and education needed to pursue such careers.
Students will explore the following career paths:
- Esports player and manager
- Event planning
- Esports analyst
- Agent, lawyer, and player advocate
- Game developer
- And more!
Intro to Game Development (30 hours)
With no prior experience, students learn how to conceptualize, design, and make their own games. Students learn the theory of game development as well as introductory computer science concepts by building interactive games that allow them to express their creativity.
Students will learn about:
- 2-D game art design and asset creation
- JavaScript programming
- Object-oriented programming
- Utilizing game engines for project development
- Building and deploying browser-based HTML5 games
Pathway Esports (60 hours)
Ignite interest and engagement in computer science and STEM through the exciting field of esports. With the USAEL tool kit, students and schools have everything they need to start and run their very own esports team and compete in local and national tournaments.
Students will learn about:
- Building an esports team
- Effective practice tactics
- Hosting tournaments
- Careers in and related to esports
Esports Broadcasting (45 hours)
In this course, students explore the dynamic realm of esports broadcasting. Students learn to create and lead their own esports streams.
Students will:
- Explore the fundamentals of broadcasting
- Learn entry hardware and software technology
- Develop skills in commentary and production
- Practice planning shows and events
Competition
The US Academic Esports League offers opportunities for competition throughout the year. When your school joins the USAEL, league play is open to as many students from each school as are interested in participating.
- Multiple entry points: teams are able to join the league for the fall, spring, or both.
- Structured practice: teams opt in to weekly scrimmages with similarly skilled opponents.
- Weekly matches: teams play one official match per week alongside their coach.
Professional Development
Comprehensive virtual professional development for one year is included:
- Live launch training, including a curriculum overview and courseware setup.
- Ongoing live training every two weeks – teachers can join optional office hours to assess progress, address student challenges, and share feedback.
- On demand support through online forums that feature a 24-hour response time, community discussion, feedback, and troubleshooting.