Kent ISD — To help families make the connection between esports and career opportunities, Kent ISD is hosting its first esports competition, the Kent County Cup, Saturday, April 27 at the Kent Career Tech Center, 1665 E. Beltline Ave. NE.
Many of the skills students learn playing esports, such as creativity, quick thinking and teamwork, are skills that employers are looking for, said Krista Harmon, Kent ISD workforce development consultant. Through the new esports competition, the goal is to help connect students and their families to careers that would utilize those skills, Harmon said.
Doors open at 8:45 a.m. Students in 9th-12th grades may compete as individuals in a Super Smash Bros. competition for prizes, with play starting at 10:30 a.m. An awards ceremony is set for 4:30 p.m.
To participate in the Super Smash Bros. contest, students must register by April 20. There are 128 spots open for the competition.
While students are competing, parents will have the opportunity to participate in sessions focused on how esports skills translate to career paths. Aquinas College Esports Director Will Wolf will talk about his experience from playing to career, and there will be a session on women in esports.
There also will be a career showcase featuring local employers as they demonstrate how esports can create job opportunities.
Read more:
• Team ‘smashes’ its way to victory for first state esports title
• Bringing esports to the next level
