2025 Beyond the Game: A Youth Technology Experience | New Orleans Super Bowl SuperWeek

Esports (or electronic sports) as an extracurricular and state-sanctioned activity is rapidly growing in K–12 education as a path for building science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) and social-emotional skills while increasing student engagement and opportunities for student inclusion. 

A unique benefit of school-sponsored esports is its equitable and inclusive nature and the ability for all students with an interest and enthusiasm for gaming to participate regardless of skill level, physical abilities, gender identity, or age. With esports, the focus is on team building and shared enjoyment of the game. The impacts of game-based learning and participation in extracurricular activities, in general, have been studied and have been shown to offer many cognitive, behavioral, and social benefits. Some key benefits include positive impacts on student self-esteem; increased focus in class; increased participation, engagement, and attendance; and improved academic performance.

The N-OvateUS Foundation is raising funds to support 100 students participating in our event on February 4, 2025, to coincide with the major National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl event hosted by the City of New Orleans, Louisiana. In collaboration with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), students will participate not only in an organized video gaming competition but will also join their school teachers in a high-level, 360 degree experience that engages them in additional extensions of STEAM learning, such as a technology 'makerspace' that provides hands-on, creative ways for students to design, experiment, and invent as they engage with a variety of tools and technology!