Mission
A nonprofit founded by educators, Garden State Esports is the organizing body of scholastic esports for New Jersey. Our mission is to create high-quality, student-centered experiences through scholastic esports so ALL students can use esports as a platform to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Vision
While we love creating fun and rewarding competitive experiences for students, scholastic esports is about more than just gaming. We believe that esports can be used as a platform to help ALL students grow socially, emotionally, and academically:
Garden State Esports will empower students and coaches to create safe, inclusive spaces for everyone and teach them how to protect those spaces through self-advocacy and bystander intervention training.
Garden State Esports will help coaches and students make the connections among gaming, social & emotional learning, health & wellness, and digital citizenship.
Garden State Esports will provide opportunities for students to learn about career pathways by leveraging our collegiate and professional partnerships as well as teach coaches how to create hands-on experiences with jobs in the esports ecosystem.
Garden State Esports will work directly with all stakeholders of a school district to align their goals and strategic plan with our vision, but we also know that growing game-changing students doesn’t just happen in the classroom. We are committed to supporting community organizations like libraries, religious & community centers, and after-school programs who want to use esports as a powerful teaching tool.
Core Values
Learning » We connect learning and play in and out of the classroom so that students, educators, and families experience the real-world value of education through interest-driven learning.
Opportunity » We value safe and engaging opportunities for all students to connect, play, learn, and grow.
Community » We believe fostering a strong community of interconnected scholastic athletes who demonstrate leadership, accountability, commitment, and teamwork is good for students, schools, and all of New Jersey.
Diversity » We develop strong character and self-identity so that all participants celebrate individuality and differences.