The Los Angeles County Office of Education, in partnership with the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NAECAD), hosted the NAECAD LA Regional Clinic, bringing together educators, administrators and esports enthusiasts to explore the exciting world of esports. The event provided professional development training on establishing and managing esports programs, advanced coaching techniques and designing optimal esports spaces. Attendees also enjoyed a tour of the state-of-the-art esports arena at Long Beach City College, which showcased cutting-edge gaming stations and instructional setups. 

Tom Covington with Bassett Unified School District, attended the event to learn more about how to bring esports to middle schools in his district. The high school esports program at BUSD was established three years ago and currently serves 25 students across three campuses. Each campus features a dedicated esports lab equipped with neon-lit gaming computers. Covington emphasized the program’s benefits including increased student engagement, improved attendance and a boost in school spirit. In addition to fostering teamwork and collaboration, BUSD’s program integrates content creation and career exploration opportunities for students. Covington said they plan to extend esports to middle schools by Spring 2025.   

George Beaver from Downey High School echoed these sentiments. Downey’s program, also three years old, involves 50 students and boasts back-to-back district championship wins. To participate in the program, students are required to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Looking ahead, Beaver hopes to expand esports to middle schools and incorporate classes focused on mental health and reaction training to the esports program.  

LACOE is excited to announce the launch of the LACOE Esports Network to support schools in developing and expanding their esports programs. By providing resources, training and networking opportunities, LACOE is committed to empowering educators and students to thrive in the world of esports. The network’s next meeting will be held on January 23, 2025, from 3:45 – 5:00 p.m. Interested schools in L.A. County can register to join the LACOE Esports Network.

To further promote esports in the region, LACOE is teaming up with Lollipop Labs and the Downey Unified School District to host two exciting esports tournaments: 

• City of Stem Esports High School Invitational: April 12-13, 2025 

• City of Stem Esports Middle School Invitational: April 26-27, 2025 

These tournaments are open to all schools and offer a chance for students to compete, learn and showcase their skills. Both tournaments are free to enter, with the winning schools receiving a $1,000 prize. For more details, visit Lollipoplabs website.