Downey Unified, in partnership with the Carrot Group, created the Downey Unified eSports League (DUEL) along with an annual Overwatch Downey Unified eSports High School Tournament: A MADE Initiative. In the six-week program managed by HighSchool.GG, students from Downey, Warren and Columbus high schools will form six-member teams and compete against the other teams within each school. The program culminates in a Championship Match at the Downey Civic Theatre where the top team from each high school will compete against each other for the grand prize.
Part of Downey Unified’s College and Career Readiness Initiative, this program will show students how their interest in video gaming could turn into prospective careers opportunities, all while addressing a positive approach to healthy competition including teamwork, leadership, resilience and problem solving. All participating students will attend a facilitated off-campus Workforce Development session from educational partners such as Survios, Positive Coaching Alliance, West Hills College Coalinga and leading game designers. Participating students will also be eligible to enroll in two free online Game Design courses, each worth three transferable graded college credits, offered by West Hills College Coalinga.
“We are so proud to be holding our second eSports Tournament that is still the first and only high school eSports program with an integrated career exploration and workforce development component in the region,” expressed John Harris, Director of College & Career Readiness for. Downey Unified. “This competition underscores our Board of Education’s commitment to preparing our students for life after graduation. With DUEL, we now have a structure in place to help our students pursue ab industry-focused career pathway.”
Each member of the winning team receives a grand prize package which includes a trophy, a video gaming accessories package from industry-leading SteelSeries, and a championship ring from Jostens. These students will also be meeting with top game designers as well as receiving an all-expense-paid trip to a one-week Game Design Bootcamp. Additionally, the winning school receivess a trophy that will be showcased in the main office and a $1,000 gift certificate towards computer supplies.
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