In its continuing commitment to develop esports academic and competitive programming at the University of St. Thomas, the University recently partnered with North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), which is expanding its offerings into Texas through its affiliate TEXSEF. NASEF provides thousands of students with a scholastics-first approach.

This alliance provides multiple benefits. First, it promotes esports for student-athletes, educators, coaches and parents. It also develops knowledge and skills by combining a scholastic and academic approach to esports. Moreover, the alliance supports collaboration to create a pipeline from K12 through post-secondary education.

UST Launched Esports Programming in 2020

University of St. Thomas is a private, Catholic university known for its academic excellence and innovative academic business model utilizing partnerships for growth and forays into exciting new educational ventures teaching students the skills for future career paths. St. Thomas launched an esports club and competitive esports team in 2020 and will offer a minor in esports coaching in fall 2021. Student-athletes at UST learn about the multi-million-dollar esports and video game industries within an ethical business framework. The school hasv plans to develop additional esports minors.

Partnership Includes Sharing Curriculum, Ambassador’s Program 

“This partnership between NASEF and UST demonstrates how forward-thinking leadership can make a difference in the future of students. UST’s commitment to NASEF Clubs to provide internship opportunities and dual enrollment curriculum pathways will make a significant difference for students. Together, UST, NASEF, and TEXSEF will create a meaningful bridge from high school to college to high-demand careers in the esports industry and beyond. This relationship should serve as a model for other colleges around the country,” said Gerald Solomon, executive director and founder of NASEF.

In addition to sharing curriculum, UST will participate in NASEF’s Ambassador Program and provide ambassador student support to NASEF clubs in Texas, creating valuable near-peer mentoring relationships that benefit both college and high school students. Also, NASEF will promote UST’s esports scholarship opportunities to interested K-12 student-athletes who want to pursue a college education in the industry.

About NASEF

The North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) is on a mission to provide opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire STEM/STEAM-based skills and critical communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and life. NASEF is the anchor of the World Wide Scholastic Esports Foundation, a nonprofit umbrella entity to support NASEF’s global expansion along with other international partners. Find NASEF at NASEF.org and on Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.