NASEF is proud to share about a nomination received by its affiliate in New Mexico! The following update comes from Laurie Lehman, Director.

**Exciting update: on April 19, APS Esports received the Best in Class Award and a $10,000 grant. Congratulations! Read below for background.**

APS Esports won the APS Esports began its journey six years ago as a commitment to provide students with esports as a gender-neutral activity that would hold engagement, equity, and inclusion as goals; expand to every grade level districtwide; and focus on opportunity and sustainability. When we received word that our program was receiving a “Best in Class” award from the APS Education Foundation, the sweet feeling of success resonated from the heart of our program – our amazing coaches and students who represent our program with commitment and purpose.

Best in Class nominees are chosen by the APS Board of Directors Disbursement Committee based on
their program's impact and growth since receiving Foundation funding. The Committee considers
programs that have the ability to grow further to widen and deepen their impact with Best in Class
funding. You can help us win the award! 

Voting for the APS Best in Class begins Friday, April 12, and continues until April 18. Please check out the website and vote for APS Esports to continue supporting our amazing students through the beautiful integration of competitive gaming and scholastic esports.

https://www.aps.edu/education-foundation/gold-bar/best-in-class

APS Esports has grown in scope and size since its inception, and our students are the winners. Working
with the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) we added an esports curriculum in 2023,
further enhancing our commitment to scholastic esports, which is the beautiful integration of
competitive esports and education. Now our students are able to blend academics, the development of
21st century skills, and digital citizenship while following their passion for gaming.

Esports is a game changer - it builds confidence, provides a space where students feel safe, where they
can game, grow, learn, and lead. APS Esports remains dedicated to sustainable growth as we engage,
educate, and inform students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the community about the many
positive benefits of esports. Esports is a growing, thriving tool for student engagement and social
emotional learning, where students foster STEM/Tech skills that lead to college and career readiness.

You're invited to join us in celebrating our amazing program at the APS Education Foundation’s Gold Bar Gala on Friday, April 19, 2024, 5:30 pm, at Sandia Resort and Casino.