About the Federation

Welcome to the world of Scholastic Esports!  NASEF, the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations, reaches across the globe providing students, players, and families the unique opportunity to connect play and passion with purpose. NASEF offers an innovative approach to evidence-based immersive experiential learning through the lens of esports.

NASEF began as a project of the Samueli Foundation, where I was honored to lead global philanthropy as their Executive Director for nearly 14 years. The Foundation’s philanthropic efforts focused on health & wellness and education, particularly STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math). The Foundation offered a holistic approach to supporting youth development, but after a decade of work, and significant introspection into the investments made, it became clear that many were still left behind.

It was at that point that I began researching for new approaches and literally stumbled upon the concept of esports. The research overwhelmingly demonstrated that those we were wanting to reach were playing video games, either competitively or casually. It struck me that esports could be a “trojan horse” to engage them through their play; meanwhile, through the formation of an Esports Club we could provide a community gathering place where they could feel safe and explore their future. NASEF, originally known as the North America Scholastic Esports Federation, was born from this idea.

NASEF provides tools and resources to equip schools and out-of-school programs to establish a place where students can play, learn and grow. From the California state-approved curriculum to a vast Community Library, from esports and Minecraft tournaments to Beyond the Game challenges, NASEF helps youth develop personal and STEM/STEAM skills to help them thrive.

Well beyond initial expectations, NASEF not only expanded around North America, but also has earned a stellar reputation worldwide for supporting programs as they adopt this integrated approach to connecting play and learning. NASEF was chosen as the education partner to IESF, the world’s premier esports association, sharing its evidence-based curriculum and program format to IESF’s 130+ member countries. In addition, NASEF now also provides the exclusive pathway for United States athletes to enter IESF’s world championships, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, the United States Esports Federation.