IMLS Grant to Fund New Scholastic Esports Program at Pottsboro, TX, Library

FRISCO, Texas - Aug. 13, 2019 - PRLog -- The Public Library in Pottsboro, Texas, has been awarded a $49,657 grant to implement a new program that blends esports and education, enabling local teens to learn important career and life skills while pursuing a favorite activity: video gaming.

The Library will form an esports club through NASEF, the North America Scholastic Esports Federation, https://www.esportsfed.org/. Students will compete in local and national esports tournaments, access clinics and workshops about game skills and career options within the esports ecosystem, and enter Beyond the Game challenges based on analytics and creativity.

"We are thrilled to start a NASEF club and introduce kids to this positive developmental environment," said Dianne Connery, director, Pottsboro Area Library. "Libraries are centers of learning that bring relevant technology and programs to their communities. This IMLS grant and the esports community we build will help students develop technology, STEM, and life skills."

The grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will pay for:

·       Faster Internet access (increasing from 18 to 500 Mbps!)

·       Esports program manager

·       10 gaming PCs

·       Monthly technology classes

"Video games are wildly popular with our youth, and NASEF provides learning opportunities through play while introducing them to relevant career options. We're thrilled with IMLS' recognition of the value of connected play and learning through this financial support," said Gerald Solomon, executive director of the Samueli Foundation and founder of NASEF. "We welcome libraries and community organizations from across North America to join NASEF and utilize our learning opportunities and tournaments."

Pottsboro residents and media are invited to the Esports Program Kick-Off:

·       Saturday, September 14, 2019, 3:00–5:00 p.m.

·       Pottsboro Area Library, 104 N Main, Pottsboro, TX 75076

·       Introduction to esports and the esports career ecosystem

·       Gaming and Twitch viewing

"As centers of learning and catalysts of community change, libraries and museums connect people with programs, services, collections, information, and new ideas in the arts, sciences, and humanities. They serve as vital spaces where people can connect with each other," said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. "IMLS is proud to support their work through our grant making as they inform and inspire all in their communities."

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. Visit www.imls.gov.

The North America Scholastic Esports Federation, www.esportsfed.org, is working to ensure that ALL students possess the knowledge and skills needed to be society's game changers: educated, productive, and empathetic individuals.

Editors: press kit with photos available here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hzRbNNH6HUfS5-QA75G1KJLRMaFmJpKA