Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) has partnered with the Esports & Online Gaming Association (ESOGA) to deliver a series of new esports and STEM camps at USF’s cutting-edge esports facility. ESOGA’s camp experiences integrate STEM concepts and hands-on esports instruction, to be hosted at USF’s state-of-the-art arena in Joliet, Ill. The program includes camps available throughout spring break and summer, offering local youth new opportunities to learn and experience esports in a collegiate setting. Please visit www.stfrancis.edu/esports for details about the camps and recruiting.
College esports has become a pathway for non-traditional student-athletes to showcase their talents, obtain potential scholarships, and pursue higher education. USF’s varsity esports program, recognized in the ECAC Esports and Playfly College Esports leagues, provides a professional environment for youth to explore this growing field while earning a college degree. The program provides students the opportunity to play a variety of game titles such as Call of Duty, Valorant, Rocket League, League of Legends, Smash Brothers, Apex Legends, Fortnite, and (soon) the newly popular Marvel Rivals – all while emphasizing the Catholic Franciscan values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Compassion.
“We’re thrilled to team up with ESOGA to combine STEM and esports for our area youth,” said Dr. Steve Wettergren, Director of Esports at the University of St. Francis. “With ESOGA’s support, these new esports programs and camps will allow us to engage with our community in new ways, while providing youth the opportunity to explore the exciting world of collegiate esports and higher education.”
“This new partnership allows us to extend the reach of our programming while providing community access to University St. Francis’ campus and state-of-the-art facilities” said Nate Parent, Founder & CEO of ESOGA. “It’s more than just esports – it’s about creating meaningful experiences that integrate with the university’s goals while supporting the future of today’s youth.”
About University of St. Francis Esports
The University of St. Francis boasts a competitive esports program, featuring a modern facility with advanced gaming stations and broadcast capabilities. The USF esports team competes in the ECAC Esports and Playfly College Esports leagues and actively recruits players nationwide to represent the university in collegiate competitions. Visit www.stfrancis.edu/esports for more information.
About Esports and Online Gaming Association
Founded in 2019, the Esports and Online Gaming Association (ESOGA) delivers structured esports programs for youth. Supporting both virtual and in-person experiences, ESOGA empowers youth to enjoy their favorite video games in a structured and supportive environment. ESOGA also provides software and services for organizations to host their own esports programs. Visit www.esoga.gg for more information.
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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.
University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.
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