Students from Fulton’s Early College High School information technology program recently traveled to the Syracuse University campus to learn about the exciting educational and career opportunities associated with esports.

Meeting with Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak and several Syracuse esports athletes, the early college students were able to tour the university’s state-of-the-art gaming facilities. Gawrysiak discussed the unique opportunities of the quickly developing gaming industry as well as the community and scholarship opportunities associated with the esports program. At Syracuse and many other institutions, esports athletes operate much like their traditional counterparts, often earning scholarships to play the games they are most skilled at while completing an academic degree.

While frequently dismissed or underestimated, the gaming industry has proven incredibly profitable in the last few years. With its own major tournaments, influencers and celebrities, the gaming world earned more in 2023 than the music and movie industries combined. ECHS leaders see big benefits in engaging students in the field’s possibilities.

“It goes well beyond gaming,” said Sean Broderick, one of the ECHS coordinators. “Our students were able to spend a day understanding the business management, communications, and visual design aspects of the esports industry.”

“Esports is a new educational opportunity,” added Gawrysiak. “It reaches this generation of students in a way that other things don’t reach them. It provides them with this chance to work with like-minded people to build their community and find their sense of belonging at these schools and institutions. Transferable skill-building is absolutely important, and you can get that through esports and reach students you haven’t been able to reach through other mechanisms.”

Fulton’s Early College Program allows students at G. Ray Bodley High School to challenge themselves with advanced classes and hands-on experiences throughout their high school career. Two programs – information technology and health sciences – are currently available. By graduation, many participants receive an associates degree as well as a wealth of practical experience in their chosen pathway. Though originally crafted for GRB students, the program now includes participants from the Mexico and Hannibal districts as well.