Building the Future of Scholastic Esports with MVUSD

The Challenge:

Expanding Equity Through Innovation in Esports  

When MVUSD set out to jump start a district-wide esports program, they faced formidable obstacles. They sought to ensure that students had consistent experiences, no matter which school they attended. 

The district also lacked the hardware and logistical resources to launch a competitive program across such a wide scale. Peter Whitmore, MVUSD Esports Coordinator, noted that the goal was not only to build a robust infrastructure but also to promote equity and inclusiveness among all students, including underserved and diverse student populations.  

Another challenge was fostering student engagement in a post COVID-19 pandemic world. Targeting students who had limited extracurricular involvement, the district wanted esports to serve as a re-engagement tool, reducing absenteeism and improving student outcomes. 

Whitmore detailed the massive scope of the project: “We wanted every student, from elementary school to high school, to have a similar esports experience, with no compromise on equipment or opportunities. This required a level of coordination and quality assurance that posed a unique challenge for a program of this scale.” 

The Solution:

C1 Elevates the Game with MVUSD’s Esports Program   

C1 partnered with MVUSD to design and implement an esports infrastructure that met the district’s ambitious goals for equity, inclusion, and innovation. They began by providing comprehensive hardware solutions tailored to the varying needs of elementary, middle, and high school students. Each school received high-performance Alienware desktops enabled with customized device options that empowered MVUSD's teams to perform at their best. 

C1 also ensured all equipment was deployed equitably across the district’s 36 schools. Their dedicated team provided logistical support during the rollout phase, streamlining distribution and setup to meet tight deadlines. Joshua Combs, MVUSD IT Analyst III praised C1’s role, saying, “From the very beginning, C1 made this massive undertaking seamless. They didn’t just supply hardware; they solved logistical challenges and ensured that every school was ready to compete.”  

Beyond hardware, C1 stepped in as an active partner in student engagement. They sponsored events such as MVUSD’s All Girls League and provided jerseys and trophies, reinforcing their commitment to inclusivity. Their leadership extended to mentoring students in technology and event management, fostering career-building opportunities. Joshua Combs shared, “The values C1 brings align perfectly with ours, focusing on inclusion and equity for students from all backgrounds.” 

The Result:

Equity, Engagement, and Academic Gains in Esports  

C1’s collaboration with MVUSD transformed the district’s esports initiative into a nationally recognized program. The infrastructure provided competitive parity across all schools, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to participate equally in esports.  

Few initiatives in education capture students' interest as effectively as esports, as these incredible outcomes from MVUSD’s esports program support: 

Improved Attendance and Engagement - Esports participants attended school an average of nine more days annually than non-participants, with a 33.5% lower absence rate. They were also 44% less likely to face suspension.   

Bringing New Students into Extracurriculars - Remarkably, 60.2% of esports participants had never engaged in extracurricular activities before joining the program. Esports has become a gateway for students to discover new passions and build connections.   

Boosted Confidence and Academic Performance - After joining esports, 68% of students reported feeling increased self-confidence. Participants also achieved an average GPA of 2.70, outperforming the district-wide average of 2.43. Esports are helping students learn teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving skills that directly translate to classroom success.   

The All Girls League, sponsored by C1, increased female participation in the program from 20% to 32%, with many students taking on leadership roles. C1’s investments in student-facing events also provided participants with valuable skills in public speaking, event planning, and technology.  

Peter Whitmore reflected on the partnership’s success, sharing, “The collaboration with C1 has not only enhanced what we can offer students but has also given them the skills and confidence they need to excel both in school and after graduation.”