When Andrew Uram walks into Duquesne City’s Esports arena, he sometimes thinks about his time as a student and gets a bit jealous. 

 

“I would’ve spent as much time as possible there,” Uram said. “I would’ve been in there every second possible.”

 

Uram is one of the teachers for Duquesne’s Esports elective. Michelle Stowell also teaches the class. Duquesne offers two elective periods for Esports, as well as an after school club that competes with other school districts. The Duquesne City school district unveiled its Esports arena in August 2022. It’s been a hit ever since.

 

“They love it,” Stowell said. “All of the kids that have chosen to take this elective either have an interest in video games or designing video games or how to create some sort of graphic design related to programming.”

 

Students play Rocket League, Fall Guys and Minecraft during the class and after-school club. Duquesne uses the Generation Esports curriculum for the class, which teaches students the fundamentals of Rocket League, as well as good sportsmanship. 

 

Uram said some of the ESL students at Duquesne have really gravitated towards the class, and it’s overall been a great way for students to make new friends.

 

“Their friendship groups have been building,” Stowell said.

 

Stowell said plugging electives into the 1st and 2nd periods of the school day has been helpful in getting students to school on time. Electives can be a great way to start the school day, setting the table for a good day of learning.

 

“I think it really helps them with other classes,” Uram said. “Just getting them engaged and waking them up for the day. It’s a nice relaxing way for them to start the day.”

 

Uram helps run the after-school club and said that attendance has been growing. Their main competition in the club is 3-on-3 Rocket League tournaments. Duquesne joined the Fall season late but is hoping to make the playoffs in the spring season. Esports is just one of the growing number of after-school activities for Duquesne City students.

 

“It’s been huge for them. They love staying after school, they love being involved with the community,” Uram said. “The overall morale has been great with the kids because they always have something to look forward to after school. There are opportunities to do something for every single kid.”

 

This has been Uram’s first year at Duquesne, and it’s become apparent to him that the District is always pushing for innovation and new ways for their students to learn. Duquesne City is the first school district in the Mon Valley to offer Esports for middle school students. The District is proud of that, as it continues to push forward as thought leaders in education.

 

“We’re trying to get into blended learning a lot and it connects the classroom to technology. If you can find a curriculum that works, it’s very beneficial to the kids,” Uram said.

 

“That’s what the world is now. They need to be accustomed to getting on a remote, plugging in some numbers and learning that way. And that’s what this class is about, just learning buttons, learning teamwork and learning how to figure things out. ESports is huge for that.”