At SDoL, we believe that education is not limited to textbooks and classrooms. It’s shaped by hands-on experience, creative thinking, and the drive to build something meaningful. On Monday, March 31, that belief came to life in Mr. Cruz’s classroom at McCaskey East, where students gathered after school for their weekly Technology Club meeting, only this time, with special guests and a delivery that marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Thanks to the generosity of Global Data Consultants (GDC), one of our longtime IT partners, the McCaskey Technology Club received a generous donation of gaming peripherals, headsets, keyboards, mice, and mouse pads, that will serve as the foundation for the school’s new esports program.
For months, members of our IT Department have worked closely with McCaskey students to explore what launching an esports team would look like at the high school level. These students, already active members of the Technology Club, took initiative to research equipment needs, learn about live-streaming requirements, and even draft a business plan outlining how the program could be structured and sustained. Their interest was about building something lasting, something that could evolve into a school-supported program and potentially create pathways to careers in fields like game development, event production, broadcasting, IT, and more.
Recognizing the potential of this initiative, GDC stepped forward to support it. Business Development Manager Scott Kutz and his colleague Adam from GDC visited the club on Monday to deliver the equipment and speak with students. In their remarks, they highlighted not only the technical value of the equipment, but the importance of the students’ involvement in shaping the future of the program. This wasn’t just a handout, it was a direct response to student input, vision, and hard work.
The donation also carried a personal touch. GDC made the contribution in honor of Mrs. Terry Tippett, a valued member of our district’s IT team who is preparing to retire this year. For over a decade, Terry has supported technology growth across the district, often behind the scenes. This new esports program, and the opportunities it will unlock for students, will stand as part of her legacy.
What is esports and why does it matter in education?
Esports, or electronic sports, refers to organized, competitive video gaming. Students compete in popular titles such as League of Legends, Rocket League, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros., often as part of a team and under the guidance of a coach. These competitions take place at school, online, or at in-person tournaments—mirroring traditional sports formats, with structured seasons, rankings, and championships.
While esports may seem like just another extracurricular activity, the numbers tell a bigger story. According to a 2023 report by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), more than 8,600 high schools across the U.S. have established esports programs, and the number continues to grow rapidly. Research from the World Economic Forum shows that esports contributes to developing critical skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, digital literacy, and communication, skills that translate directly into 21st-century careers.
Colleges have taken notice, too. Over 200 colleges and universities now offer varsity esports teams, and many provide scholarships. Major academic institutions including Penn State, Temple, and Harrisburg University host esports programs that blend competition with coursework in gaming technology, marketing, and event production.
For our district, this is a powerful example of what’s possible when students lead, staff support, and community partners invest. McCaskey’s Technology Club students are not waiting for opportunities, they are helping create them. They’re learning how to navigate real-world logistics, articulate a vision, and take steps to turn ideas into action.
Tied to Our Strategic Plan
Launching esports at McCaskey directly supports key priorities from the SDoL Strategic Plan, including:
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Empowering Students: Giving students a voice in shaping new opportunities that align with their interests and potential.
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Innovating for the Future: Expanding programs that are culturally relevant, career-focused, and responsive to emerging industries.
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Building Strong Community Partnerships: Working alongside longtime partners like GDC to bring resources and mentorship into our schools.
“This is exactly the kind of student-centered, future-forward work our strategic plan is built to support,” said Sam Kochenberger, AV Supervsior.“When students came to us with the idea, it wasn’t just about gaming. They wanted to learn how to budget, build systems, stream competitions, and be part of something larger. It’s a great fit for where we want to go as a district.”
A new pathway for McCaskey Students
With the esports program in its early stages, McCaskey students are already building real-world skills, budgeting, planning, researching, and presenting. As the program develops, students will also have opportunities to explore careers in game design, IT support, broadcasting, event coordination, and more.
“It’s been really inspiring to see the students take the lead,” said Patrick McGary, Service Desk Supervisor, “They’ve shown real ownership and curiosity. We didn’t just hand them a checklist, they’ve helped shape this from the start.”
The equipment donation marks the first phase of a broader plan to fully launch esports at McCaskey in the coming school year. Students will soon have access to gaming computers and streaming tools, and district leaders are exploring how to integrate the program with other tech-based learning opportunities.
“I have no doubt this will grow, this is only the beginning” Patrick added. “Esports gives students a chance to be creative, competitive, and future-minded. We envision a competitive team forming, local tournaments, and eventually, district-wide participation that spans from high school into middle and elementary schools. Esports is a great equalizer, one that can unite students across interests, backgrounds, and abilities.”
Esports is one of the fastest-growing movements in education, and it’s gaining momentum across Pennsylvania. With growing interest at the collegiate and professional levels, schools that develop esports teams are opening the door for students to find their strengths in competitive play, media production, strategy, and teamwork. These are skills that reach far beyond the screen. For students like Wyatt, a senior in the Technology Club, the impact is deeply personal. “I can’t imagine a time that I’ve been more excited to not only be at school, but also to receive something like this. It’s truly magical,” Wyatt shared. “I love competing in video games because it gives people like me, who might not be athletically inclined, a chance to be part of a team, to grow and be seen in a new light. Esports opens the door for so many students to express themselves, build community, and chase opportunities that may have once felt out of reach. This isn’t just about playing games, it’s about belonging.”
We are incredibly proud of the students who are helping bring this program to life, and we’re grateful to our IT Departmentfor believing in the idea and building the framework to support it. And we extend our sincere thanks to GDC for not only providing the necessary tools to get started, but for taking the time to show up, listen to our students, and share in their excitement.
The launch of esports at McCaskey is still in its early stages, but it’s already clear: our students are ready. And with support from both inside and outside the district, they won’t be going it alone.
