Esports is continuing to grow in popularity in the K-12 education system, and for good reason. Esports gives all students an equal opportunity to be involved with their peers in constructive environments (even those who can’t participate in traditional sports like football or cross country). Educators, parents, and school districts all benefit from seeing the growth and value that it offers to students.

Recently, NASEF affiliate Albuquerque (New Mexico) Public Schools released a survey detailing the experience of its esports students last year. After the 2025-26 school year, students who participated in their school’s esports programs found they had an easier time making/keeping friends (58%), developed stronger sportsmanship (54%), gained self confidence (44%), and had better behavior (41%). They also noticed an increase in better grades and assignment completion (51%), as well as higher attendance (40%) and school pride (26%). 

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “Research consistently demonstrates that high-quality afterschool programs have a positive impact on students' educational outcomes, school attendance and social and emotional learning.”  That’s why it is so important to engage new participants in afterschool programs. In the Albuquerque Public Schools, 55% of those who participated in esports were not involved outside of the classroom at their schools prior to joining their esports teams. A huge majority of those that participated –  82% – enjoyed their involvement. The APS results illustrate the relationship between participation and educational outcomes: prior to taking part in esports, only 73% of students felt connected at their schools, but after, 92% felt connected. 

Former APS student Scott Robertson said, “Esports provided a space where I was able to thrive, helped me establish new social groups and allowed me to be more myself.” Scott is now majoring in Computer Science at New Mexico State University and is continuing his experience in esports while building relationships with other former Albuquerque Public School esports students.

Another student, Vy Nugyen, said, “In high school, I was introverted and anxious but being a team captain pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to speak up more, make decisions, and connect with my teammates, which helped me become more confident over time.” Now Vy is working towards her Masters of Science in Cybersecurity in Business Analytics at University of New Mexico and is a technical intern for Sandia National Laboratories.

Scholastic esports impacts more students every year as programs experience skyrocketing growth. In Albuquerque, double the number of students participated in 2025-26 compared to the previous school year, with over 2,000 students joining. 

These impressive results from the Albuquerque Public School System serve as a strong example of how implementing scholastic esports in your local school or district can make a huge impact for students. Esports is ever growing, and ever evolving. It allows students to access team-based environments where they can grow alongside each other, just like in traditional sports. 

Brook Chavez is another former student who experienced esports in her high school setting and is now making waves at her university: “I want to emphasize the importance that esports had in my choices, both academically and professionally, and that I am immensely grateful for how esports impacted my life. I started off as an inner city kid with no aspirations of ever achieving college, and with esports and my established interest in gaming, I was able to find an interest that got me to my major and where I am.” Brook is now at the University of Southern California on a full scholarship, studying Intelligence and Cyber Operations, is on the executive board of Kappa Theta Pi (the only technology-based fraternity in the US), and is the Co-Executive Director for the Native American Student Association at USC.

In this blog, we’ve shared both hard numbers and student stories about being positively impacted by scholastic esports. This information comes from New Mexico, but there are thousands of students across the country who dream of having the chance to take part as well. Take the initiative now, grab some controllers, and recruit a few students. With resources from NASEF, starting an esports program does not have to be a full-scale operation from the start, it can be as simple as a relaxed after school club where students can come together and bond over their shared love for games. Turn to NASEF for resources and training that will help you level-up your program a little bit each year. Before you know it, you’ll be like APS, with many students experiencing fun, connection, and learning in the fun world of scholastic esports!