North America Scholastic Esports Federation and Twitch to combine forces, using gaming for good to teach digital citizenship, skills for emerging esports careers, and more

(Orange County, CA – July 8, 2020) – Today, the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) and Twitch announced a partnership to support each other’s efforts to leverage gaming and esports for good, teaching youth everything from digital citizenship to teamwork and collaboration, from job skills in the esports world to lessons on entrepreneurship and creativity.

“The North America Scholastic Esports Federation has a vision to use the popularity and engagement of gaming and esports for the good of the students and high schools they serve,” said Mark "Garvey" Candella, director of student and education programs at Twitch. “Teaching emerging, new and digital media skills while the students learn the soft skills required to work together is something one can be proud of. Twitch is honored to work with NASEF for a better future for students.”

“As the premier streaming service, Twitch’s influence reaches all corners of the gaming and esports world. Their knowledge of the entertainment side of esports, coupled with their role as a major employer in the industry, positions Twitch to influence the education and future of the upcoming generation,” said Gerald Solomon, founder of NASEF and executive director of the Samueli Founder. “We’re thrilled that Twitch chooses to leverage their influence for the benefit of youth, and we’re excited to work with them on educational programs and materials.”

NASEF is unique in the world of sports and esports because it doesn’t just focus on competitive gaming but also provides significant education on career and life skills at the same time. Beyond the Game™ challenges enable NASEF students to actively explore career skills that will help them land jobs in the industry. Winners of those challenges receive $500 scholarships and mentoring sessions with working professionals in their career of choice. See how NASEF connects play to career pathways, and how students are inspired through career profiles with people like Twitch's director of engineering, Tyler Robbins.

Twitch will be working alongside NASEF to further develop gaming and esports curriculum to go alongside Beyond the Game™ challenges. The goal of the curriculum is to meet students where they are and use gaming and esports as a learning vehicle. To that end, Twitch is developing a series of lessons that will help students learn what it takes to be a good streamer, from developing presentation and broadcast skills, to learning about different technologies, to building an entrepreneurial mindset in order to build sponsors and a following to be profitable.

Learn more at NASEF, and learn how to start a free esports club with NASEF’s full support here. See matches streamed live on their Twitch channel, and join online conversations on Twitter @NASEFedu, Facebook, and Instagram.

About Twitch
Launched in 2011, Twitch is a global community that comes together each day to create multiplayer entertainment: unique, live, unpredictable experiences created by the interactions of millions. It brings the joy of co-op to everything, from casual gaming and world-class esports to anime marathons, music, and art streams. Twitch also hosts TwitchCon, the biggest community event of the year, where tens of thousands of people come together to celebrate and connect with others who share their interests and passions. We’re always live at Twitch. Stay up to date on all things Twitch on Twitter and on our Blog.  

About the North America Scholastic Esports Federation

The North America Scholastic Esports Federation is working to ensure that ALL students possess the knowledge and skills needed to be society’s game changers: educated, productive, and empathetic individuals. NASEF is on a mission to provide opportunities for ALL students to use esports as a platform to acquire critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. The Federation’s core values are intertwined through all aspects of education and play: learning, opportunity, community, diversity, and respect.

Learn more at the NASEF website. See matches streamed live on our Twitch channel, and join online conversations on Twitter @NASEFedu, Facebook, and Instagram.

Media Contacts:

Claire LaBeaux, [email protected]

Samantha Faught, [email protected]