What happens when IT leaders have to choose between safety and innovation? In New Jersey, one teacher proved that the biggest obstacles to transformation often come from inside our own departments.

Chris Aviles started Garden State eSports during COVID with borrowed laptops and a spreadsheet. Today, it's the largest scholastic eSports league in the country, serving 12,000 students across 400+ schools—and it just became New Jersey's first new varsity activity in 20 years.

In this episode, you'll discover:

How eSports went from basement hobby to legitimate varsity activity with scholarships and college recruiting

Why IT departments are now the biggest barrier to program launches (and how to overcome security concerns safely)

The student success stories that prove inclusive competition changes lives

How schools are turning gaming computers into dual-purpose STEM labs that drive attendance and grades

Chris Aviles, Founder of Garden State eSports, joins host Ed McNamara along with SHI's Jeff Prudente to reveal how this movement is opening doors for students who never participated in school activities before—including 25% with IEPs or autism spectrum diagnoses.

Guest: Chris Aviles, Founder & Executive Director, Garden State eSports Also Featuring: Jeff Prudente, Mobility Manager, SHI International

Learn more: shi.com/esports

#eSports #EdTech #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #STEMEducation #InclusiveEducation #SchoolTechnology #GamingForGood

Show Notes & Resources

Organizations & Programs:

Garden State eSports - New Jersey's official scholastic eSports league

SHI eSports Solutions - Equipment, infrastructure, and program support

Interstate Scholastic eSports Alliance - National network spanning 20+ states
Contact: esports@shi.com

Resources for Schools:

Garden State eSports Varsity Certification Program

SHI eSports IT Infrastructure Guide

Equipment recommendations and setup best practices

Network security guidance for school IT departments

Timeline:

00:01:00 - Introduction to eSports growth and impact

00:02:00 - Jeff Prudente on early days of NJ eSports partnership with SHI

00:08:00 - Chris Aviles' origin story and COVID catalyst

00:13:00 - How eSports became a varsity activity (not sport)

00:16:00 - Biggest misconceptions: IT departments as unexpected barriers

00:21:00 - What it's like to attend an eSports championship event

00:26:00 - The critical role of teacher-coaches

00:32:00 - Student success stories: Tyler Sims and Jack's journeys

00:40:00 - How to launch a program in your school

Guest Bios: Chris Aviles is a 17-year teaching veteran and founder of Garden State eSports, which has grown from 100 schools during COVID to become the largest scholastic eSports league in the United States. Under his leadership, New Jersey became the first state to recognize eSports as an official varsity activity.

Jeff Prudente is SHI International's Mobility Manager for Intel and Windows devices. A lifelong gamer and former competitive Halo player, Jeff helped pioneer SHI's eSports education initiative and has been instrumental in bringing programs to school districts nationwide—from 5-computer setups to hundred-workstation arenas.

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