Dallas, Texas – June 27, 2023 – Easterseals Lonestar has been awarded a contract by the Texas Workforce Commission to launch an eSports STEM workforce development program to engage at-risk high school students in a fun, engaging, and relevant way. The one-year, $100,000 pilot program is a partnership between Easterseals and local school districts to recruit students to participate in an eSports league that integrates opportunities to explore STEM careers. The program will officially start in the fall semester of the upcoming 2023-24 school year.
The eSports program will provide opportunities for students to connect and build relationships with local volunteers who have successful STEM careers, have conversations with guidance counselors who will help students develop individualized plans for appropriate post-secondary STEM experiences. Students will be able to engage with people in the online gaming industry, a growing segment offering well-paying jobs to entry-level workers and beyond.
“Our program will connect students with professionals and opportunities in the eSports industry,” said Tod Marvin, President of Easterseals Lonestar. “Given the right opportunities and supports every student can build a path to a successful future in the exciting and growing eSports sector. This is a first step in expanding STEM-based eSports education statewide.”
About Easterseals Lonestar
Easterseals Lonestar is an organizational merger of Easterseals Central Texas and Easterseals North Texas under the same administrative and leadership team. Easterseals Lonestar promotes independence and creates opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue their hopes and dreams. Easterseals Lonestar is a member of The Fedcap Group. For nearly ninety years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Serving 340,000 people this past fiscal year, The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
Contact: Susan Walsh, 212-727-4200, (SWalsh@fedcap.org)