UC Esports Lab paves way for public schools to engage students beyond gaming

At the University of Cincinnati, gaming opens the doors to a wide range of creative and technological careers through the UC Esports Innovation Lab (ESL). 

With a deep connection to academic curricula, particularly in STEM, UC is reaching out to school districts like Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) to highlight these links. 

Last fall, Josh Hardin, athletics director for CPS schools, accepted an invitation to tour the lab with athletics directors and coaches from around the district.  

“Expanding esports in public education can provide students with valuable experiences and skills to prepare them for the future," Patty Moser, UC director of experience, events and esports, said. "By embracing the perception of esports beyond video gaming, schools can engage students in a new and innovative way that promotes teamwork, critical thinking and creativity — vital skills for success.”

This spring, the lab curated a series of videos that highlight gaming-related career opportunities, such as animation, game design, broadcasting, marketing and coding.

The speaker series is designed to help educators engage students in a relatable way through the popularity of gaming. Drawing on students' interests and educational pursuits through esports can reveal opportunities beyond the screen in career fields they may have yet considered in both STEM and liberal arts.  

The series was piloted at CPS, but ESL staff plan to send the videos to all six primary recruiting states for UC.

CPS officials hope to expand esports throughout the district by offering student field trips to the ESL, open-play events and end-of-season tournaments. 

“We are committed to exposing CPS students to our state-of-the-art esports facility with the latest technology, driving the possibilities of higher education and a wide range of career fields through the lens of esports,” Moser said.

UC is one of the oldest scholastic esports communities in the country, launched in 2012. Moser said the university is passionate about creating a best-in-class collegiate esports experience that combines community, competition and academics to benefit all its students.

"Today's students are hungry for more than just a traditional undergraduate experience — they crave community, connection and a transformative journey that genuinely prepares them for the challenges of the future,” Moser said. “I firmly believe that esports can help deliver all of that and more.”

Featured image at top: Students play esports in UC's Esports Innovation Lab, which is located in the 1819 Innovation Hub. Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand