Bridging Accessibility and Community in Scholastic Esports
How do you make esports accessible and sustainable for everyone?
We sat down with Stan Usovicz, founder of EsportScholar and a trailblazer in scholastic esports, to discuss his innovative approach to making competitive gaming accessible to underserved communities. From building esports labs to creating interdisciplinary programs, Stan’s journey reflects his commitment to bridging the gap between education and gaming.
Q: Stan, how did your esports journey begin, and what inspired you to focus on scholastic programs?
I started with Concord Education, working on after-school enrichment programs. When the pandemic hit, we had to pivot and rethink how to engage students remotely. That’s when I had the idea to get school sports teams, like basketball and soccer, to compete in games like NBA 2K and FIFA.
This approach resonated with athletic directors, who had budgets but no seasons to manage. It quickly evolved into full-fledged esports programs, expanding beyond athletics to include broader scholastic esports initiatives. Seeing the potential of gaming to connect students, I eventually founded EsportScholar to focus on esports as a tool for education and community building.
Q: What challenges do you see in making esports accessible, especially in schools?
One of the biggest barriers is accessibility. Many schools have incompatible equipment like Chromebooks, which aren’t capable of running popular esports titles. This creates a gap for students who want to participate but don’t have the resources.
That’s where we come in. We build custom esports labs for schools, providing the necessary hardware and infrastructure for students to compete. It’s rewarding to see kids thrive in spaces they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. But it’s not just about hardware—it’s about creating a welcoming environment where students feel supported.
Q: What sets EsportScholar apart from other scholastic esports programs?
EsportScholar is about more than just gaming. Our “esports plus” approach integrates gaming with other disciplines like graphic design, broadcasting, and game development. This makes the program appealing even to students who might not be the best gamers but are passionate about the broader gaming ecosystem.
For example, we teach students how to use Unreal Engine to develop their own games. This holistic approach ensures students gain skills that extend beyond the esports arena. It’s about making esports inclusive and creating opportunities for everyone.
Q: Esports in Asia is often seen as more developed than in the U.S. What’s holding esports back here?
Cultural differences play a big role. In Asia, internet cafes foster community and competitive gaming, whereas in the U.S., we’re more individualistic. Most gamers here prefer to play at home, which limits the community aspect of esports.
Another challenge is the dominance of traditional sports in the U.S. Esports is trying to carve out its niche, but it’s competing with massive industries that have been around for decades. To thrive, esports needs to address accessibility issues and create spaces where communities can come together to play, learn, and grow.
Q: What’s next for you and EsportScholar?
We’re really proud of our work with the City of Cleveland, where we’ve built six esports labs and run year-round programming. These spaces provide underserved communities with opportunities to engage in gaming and education.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the potential of VR gaming and its integration into esports. With advancements in VR technology, including omnidirectional treadmills, we could see a new wave of competitive gaming that bridges the gap between physical and digital sports. It’s an exciting frontier, and I’m eager to see how it evolves.
Wrapping It Up
Stan Usovicz’s work demonstrates the transformative power of esports in education and community development. Through his innovative programs and dedication to accessibility, Stan is shaping a future where competitive gaming is a platform for growth and opportunity.
About Stan Usovicz
Stan Usovicz is the founder of EsportScholar and a pioneer in the field of scholastic esports. With a background in education and a passion for gaming, Stan has dedicated his career to making esports accessible to students in underserved communities.
Through initiatives like custom esports labs and interdisciplinary programs, Stan combines gaming with education to create opportunities for personal and professional growth. His vision continues to redefine the role of esports in schools, bridging the gap between gaming and learning.
