DOWNEY UNIFIED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GAIN CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND SKILLS THROUGH UNIQUE ESPORTS TOURNAMENT


Program Designed to Elevate Students’ S.T.E.A.M. Skills While Reinforcing
Teamwork, Digital Literacy, and Problem-Solving Skills


DOWNEY, Calif (October 3, 2018) – Downey Unified, in partnership with the Carrot Group, announced the Overwatch Downey Unified High School eSports Tournament: A MADE Community Initiative, the first ever inner-district high school level eSports tournament in Los Angeles County. In the six-week program managed by HighSchool.GG, students from Downey and Warren High Schools will form six-member teams and compete against the other teams within each school. The program will culminate in a Final Match on Dec. 4, 2018 at the Downey Theatre where the top team from each high school will compete against each other for the grand prize.

Part of Downey Unified’s College and Career Readiness Initiative, this program will show students how their interest in video gaming could turn into prospective careers opportunities, all while addressing a positive approach to healthy competition including teamwork, leadership, resilience and problem solving. All participating students will attend a facilitated on-campus career pathway session from educational partners: Positive Coaching Alliance, West Hills College Coalinga, and leading game designers. Participating students will also be eligible to enroll in two free online Game Design courses, each worth three graded college credits, offered by West Hills College Coalinga starting in January 2019.

“We are so proud to host the first high school eSports competition in the region,” expressed Downey Unified Superintendent Dr. John Garcia. “This competition underscores our Board of Education’s commitment to prepare our students for life after graduation. This educational experience will lead our students into jobs and careers that may not yet exist.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Downey Unified again and design this unique eSports Tournament to align with their college and career readiness initiatives,” said Alan Zack, President of Carrot Group. “Esports offers a completely safe, level playing field to all who want to compete, regardless of gender, background, or any physical limitations. This program promises to engage all students through something they love to play and inspire them to follow their passion to a future career.”

Each member of the winning team will receive a grand prize package including video gaming accessories from SteelSeries, a meeting with leading game designers, and all-expenses paid trip to a one-week Game Design Bootcamp where they are each eligible to receive an additional two graded college credits on their college transcript. Additionally, the winning high school will also receive a trophy and a $1,000 gift certificate towards computer supplies

For more information, please visit: https://highschool.gg/downeyunified/

About the Downey Unified School District
The Downey Unified School District provides a comprehensive curriculum supporting three high schools, four middle schools, 13 elementary schools and one adult school. The district is committed to developing all students to be self-motivated learners and productive, responsible and compassionate members of an ever-changing global society. Our highly qualified staff foster meaningful relationships with students, parents, and the community while providing a relevant and rigorous curriculum in facilities that advance teaching and learning. It is the vision of Downey Unified to have all students graduate with a 21st Century Education that ensures they are college and career ready, globally competitive and citizens of strong character.

About Carrot Group
Carrot Group is the leading organization engaging, cultivating, and celebrating young innovators to solve real-world problems using science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The highly creative and fully customizable programs drive impact and spark a passion for discovery. Carrot Group designs various programs for preschool children to college students and through the belief that the power of competition inspires learning, creativity, and innovation. The critically acclaimed programs reward dynamic thinking, perseverance, cooperation, imagination, and ingenuity. Learn more at www.gocarrotgo.com.