In February 2022, the NEA began a Build Your Community Classroom Pilot Minecraft Program through funding from the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation. This program offers low-income, minority students at Vertus High School in Rochester, New York, new learning experiences through esports that allow for increased understanding in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, while building the social-emotional skills critical for success. Three classes and two study sessions are offered daily to students in 9^th-12^th grades for credit toward graduation. A case study of this initiative is being conducted by the Children’s Institute to review its effectiveness while we undertake efforts to expand the program to other schools in the United States and abroad. We will soon implement similar programs at North Tonawanda City School District in North Tonawanda, New York and Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, New York, as well as in Spain and Iceland.

Are you interested in bringing esports into your classroom? Contact us!