Gaming for the Greater Good: The North American Scholastic Esports Federation Sets Students on a STEM Trajectory

Abstract

Broadcom founder Henry Samueli and his wife Susan started the Samueli Foundation with the mission of creating societal value by investing in innovative, entrepreneurial, and sustainable ideas. In exchange for their financial support, they look for forward movement toward the goal of a "vibrant, healthy and well-balanced community." Work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is the core of philanthropy at the Samueli Foundation, which has a particular focus in growing STEM interest among K-12 students. Recently, the foundation developed and launched the North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), a free platform and corresponding curriculum that uses e-sports as a sort of Trojan horse to help students grow their 21st century skills in communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem solving, all while creating pathways to STEM careers and building strong relationships between students, teachers, and team coaches.