North American esports company Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG) has partnered with Esports Foundry to develop the Accelerating College Esports (ACE) Program.
The initiative aims to provide an all-encompassing programme that includes everything colleges need to start their own esports programme.
The programme has three areas, according to CSMG. The first one is called Program 365 Build, and includes foundations such as construction, financing, marketing and launching a collegiate esports programme. Second is Esports Developement, which includes staffing, financial planning, event and content programming and curriculum development. Lastly, there is Commercialisation strategies, which explains the importance of brands, sponsors and partnerships.
According to CSMG and partners, when combined, the segments of the ACE Program can help create and grow an esports programme at university level, allowing educational institutions to stay competitive and appealing to students.
The programme is a unique idea in the world of esports, and aims to help universities better include more students and expand existing enrollment strategies. The ACE Program is the result of CSMG’s work with numerous collegiate institutions in North America, as well as its work on the Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup, a large-scale collegiate esports event in North America.
Angela Bernhard Thomas, Chief Esports Officer for CSMG/ESPORTSU, commented: “With the ACE Program, colleges and universities can captivate, engage, and retain students by meeting the rising demand for gaming and esports on campus.
“The true power of ACE lies in its ability to expand enrollment strategies within STEAM-related subjects, creating new pathways for students pursuing careers in these fields. Moreover, it invigorates student engagement and fosters active participation in campus life, shaping a compelling educational experience.”
