Rutgers Division of Continuing Studies
3 Rutgers Plaza
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Website: lifelonglearning.rutgers.edu
Contact: Stephen Carter
Phone: 848-445-4700
Email: scarter@rutgers.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Garden State Esports and Rutgers University Forge Statewide Partnership to
Transform Education and Workforce Development Through Esports
New Brunswick, NJ – June 11, 2025 — Rutgers University, Division of Continuing Studies and Garden State Esports (GSE) have announced a strategic partnership to launch New Jersey’s first comprehensive scholastic esports pipeline—connecting K–12 education, higher education, and industry to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage careers.
The three-year partnership between Rutgers University’s Division of Continuing Studies and GSE—the official governing body for scholastic esports in New Jersey—will deliver innovative, workforce-aligned programs that blend education, competition, and career development.
Educators will gain access to Rutgers-accredited professional development and esports-specific certifications designed to build sustainable, future-ready programs in schools. Students and community leaders will be able to earn stackable, co-branded credentials in areas such as media production, game design, and event planning—skills that align directly with emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
At the same time, GSE and Rutgers will develop a shared sponsorship and industry engagement strategy that invites public and private partners to fund programming, offer mentorship, and grow the next generation of talent
“By combining our reach in schools with Rutgers’ leadership in professional learning, we’re building real pipelines from the classroom to high-wage, high-skill careers,” said Chris Aviles, President of Garden State Esports. “This is about more than gaming—it’s about creating opportunity.”
As part of the agreement, Rutgers Division of Continuing Studies formally recognizes Garden State Esports as the official governing body for scholastic esports in New Jersey and will work exclusively with GSE on all esports-related educator credentials, workforce programs, and event initiatives throughout the partnership.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation in education,” said Dr. Richard Novak, Vice President for Continuing Studies at Rutgers University. “Together, we’re preparing students and educators for a digital future where learning, media, and technology converge.”
This partnership positions New Jersey as a national leader in leveraging esports to drive student engagement, teacher empowerment, and economic development.
To learn more about the partnership or explore sponsorship opportunities, contact info@gsesports.org or visit https://gsesports.org