Seminole State College will launch a new esports program in Fall 2025, combining competitive gaming with academic coursework designed to support career pathways in esports and digital media.
Scholarship opportunities will be available to students who join the Esports team. These scholarships aim to support students dedicated to both academic achievement and the evolving field of competitive gaming.
The SSC Esports initiative, developed by the college’s NASNTI (Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions) federal grant program, will provide students with opportunities to practice in a state-of-the-art Esports Lab, compete in intercollegiate tournaments and enroll in an array of esports courses. Students pursuing a degree in Computer Science can choose an emphasis in esports, while others may take esports-related courses as electives. These courses include Introduction to Esports, Esports Communication, Multimedia Development and Introduction to Game Development.
Open to all students regardless of major, the SSC Esports team welcomes both experienced players and newcomers. Competitive titles include Rocket League, Mario Kart,
Apex Legends, Fortnite and Fall Guys. Students may participate through joining the official team or through the Esports club, with meetings and matches beginning in Fall 2025.
“Esports is not merely an academic discipline or a gamified discipline; it is a mixture of both.” Alecia Bailey, SSC NASNTI Computer Science Specialist, said. “As the esports industry flourishes, becoming a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem, the demand for skilled professionals who understand the complexity of gaming culture, technology and business has surged.”
A new Esports Lab, set to mirror professional arenas, is currently in development and is on track for completion by the end of Summer 2025. Following the construction phase, the lab will be outfitted with the latest gaming technology and equipment, with this phase expected to be finalized by the end of Winter 2025. To learn more, register interest or apply, visit sscok.edu or contact Alecia Bailey at a.bailey@sscok.edu.
The SSC NASNTI program is 100% federally funded in the amount of $450,000 annually.