AC Public Schools District Launches Districtwide Esports Program
What once was a niche hobby has become a global phenomenon, with professional leagues, massive audiences and substantial prize money.
ATLANTIC CITY — In a bold move that blended technology, career readiness and student engagement, Atlantic City Public Schools officially launched the first district-wide esports program in the nation.
The district held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in the esports lab at Atlantic City High School. Esports, or electronic sports, refers to organized, competitive gaming that often involves multiplayer video game competitions. What once was a niche hobby has become a global phenomenon, with professional leagues, massive audiences and substantial prize money.
“This initiative was about more than just playing video games,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small. “The esports program presents an opportunity for students to develop communication, leadership and technical skills—and to explore real-world career pathways in a growing global industry.”
Dr. Small noted that gaming is already a billion-dollar industry and that students will have the ability to explore content creation, which is “creating new millionaires" around the world.
“We want to provide our students with access to that now,” she said. “We are exposing our students to these types of opportunities while thinking about their futures, and we look forward to the growth they will gain throughout this process.”
The ceremony marked the culmination of a partnership between the district, Esports Integration by Horizon AVL, EDGE Consulting and Bluum. The event drew students, staff, college esports program representatives and community leaders to witness the unveiling of custom-designed esports facilities now featured in 10 district schools.
Each school’s esports lab was designed as a career development hub where students can engage with industry-standard tools and a curriculum aligned to fields such as game design, broadcasting, marketing, event management and cybersecurity. The program integrates esports into after-school and STEM sessions using Platform1, a learning management system developed by Esports Integration and EDGE that provides project-based learning and academic enrichment.
“Atlantic City Public Schools achieved a major milestone, leading the nation with an approach that ties esports directly to future careers,” said Joshua Kell, CEO of Horizon AVL. “This wasn’t just about playing—it was about learning outcomes and workforce development.”
Kell said the district is on the cutting edge. “Each of the facilities in your schools has been engineered by Horizon AVL and Esports Integration to mirror professional-level esports and broadcast environments,” he said. “Every facility includes high-performance gaming stations, broadcast and production systems, lighting and LED displays, and dedicated learning spaces.”
Director of Assessment and Special Projects Michael Bird served as emcee for the launch, emphasizing that the program gives students a jump-start on professional opportunities. “Learn the skills to become a filmmaker, animator or game designer. Dive into the digital world and code your own future as a software engineer or app developer,” Bird said. “The possibilities are endless.”
Director of Secondary Education Donald Harris said the students have a tremendous opportunity before them. “Today marks not just the opening of the esports program at Atlantic City High School and across the district—it’s a new chapter for all schools that will bridge the competitive spirit of all students,” Harris said. He added that esports will become a Career and Technical Education program to help students find direct pathways into high-paying careers.
Atlantic City High School students Vish Turner and Tariq Ransome, who toured the esports lab, said they were excited about the educational opportunity.
“It’s hands-on,” Ransome said. “It’s a different way to learn.” His favorite games are NBA 2K and Madden. “I like games, so I might wind up taking this class.”
Turner agreed. “It’s a cool way to learn,” he said.
Other students who previewed the lab in its early stages—Treyshawn Sanders, Emanuel Love, Oscar Figueroa, Xavier Charleston and Jaason Jones—said they are eager to compete. Each claimed to be the best at Call of Duty: Warzone.
“I’ve been playing it for a while, and I keep getting better,” Sanders said.
“I just play it for fun,” Jones added. “I vibe with it.”
Bird said the initiative has the potential to attract students with a variety of interests to Atlantic City High School.
“This groundbreaking program has become a powerful platform that we expect to boost student engagement and connect their interests directly to viable career paths,” Bird said.
To see a gallery of the ribbon cutting and the Esports facilities throughout the district, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nUZC2m1U8QqRFcjPA
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