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HBCUs attracting students with esports curriculum

A growing number of HBCUs are adding esports to their curriculum to help attract students.
Posted 2023-03-06T23:00:17+00:00 - Updated 2023-03-09T14:15:26+00:00
HBCUs attract new students with esports curriculum

The huge growth of esports now gives more high school grads a new reason to pursue college.

A growing number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are adding esports to their curriculum to help attract students.

It’s more than playing games. It’s about career opportunities.

In the past, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, or MEAC, has promoted sports on places like a field or on a court.

Now, more HBCUs are investing in games played on video screens. The investment in esports equipment and labs may be a strong recruiting tool.

Charity Philips, CEO and founder of B U Gamerz in Durham and a graduate of North Carolina Central University and Fayetteville State University said, "We have a lot of freshmen that come in and they will look for universities that have esports clubs."

Philips says more students see gaming as a future career.

"There’s scholarship opportunities, there’s career opportunities, there’s shout-casting opportunities, commentary for playing the games," Philips said.

As popular as it has become, Philips said students should see it only as one part of the college experience. She says success depends on moderation.

"You have to take care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally in order to play, just like any sport," Philips said.

Philips says esports are also good for growing businesses.

"We’re partnered with Carolina Esports Hub to make sure that we can spread and help all people at any level of gaming to come and be themselves," Philips said.

Phillips says HBCUs are also ready to help students learn skills related to gaming like coding and designing their own games.

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