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A Graduate of an Innovative Program Balances Dreams and Uncertainty

About This Video

This video is part of a Chronicle visual series that highlights the challenges facing today’s students, especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities. The series is part of the Different Voices of Student Success project, which is supported by the Ascendium Education Group.

The video was shot and edited by Michael Theis, The Chronicle’s photo and media editor. Carmen Mendoza, our senior web producer, shot video and assisted in the production. Erica Lusk, senior photo and media editor, consulted on the project, and Maura Mahoney, a Chronicle senior editor, also contributed.

Esports, once considered a niche hobby, have evolved into a global phenomenon. According to one estimate, the number of esports enthusiasts and occasional viewers totals just over 600 million — and interest is only growing. The esports market is expected to generate more than $4.8 billion in revenue by 2030.

Colleges across the country are recognizing its potential, not only as a competitive activity but as an opportunity to attract students and provide them with the experience and tools to embark on careers in a fast-growing field. Emerging programs are integrating game design, computer science, digital-media studies, event planning, and other disciplines, providing students with opportunities to sharpen their technical skills and develop strategic thinking and teamwork.

“Kids are coming out of high school who are growing up” with video games and wishing they could get into the industry, says Justin Brooks, the coordinator of the esports program at the State University of New York College of Technology at Canton. “All of a sudden, on a silver platter, comes schools who are saying, Hey, we have an outlet into the esports industry, whether it be playing or production or team management.”

But like any innovative program in a nascent field, there is risk — at the end of the day, will those graduates find jobs? Esports proponents are optimistic, citing the soaring interest and investment in the industry. “There are millions of dollars going into” esports right now, says Brooks. “It is insanely popular. I mean, there’s opportunities everywhere. It’s just about working hard to get there.”

SUNY Canton, as it’s commonly known, originally was a two-year college and has expanded its academic programs to offer four-year degrees while maintaining a focus on career outcomes for its students. It began competing in esports in 2017 and launched an esports-management program in the fall of 2020. The program has produced 13 graduates so far, with 15 more expected to graduate this year. This short film tells the story of Kal-El Key, a 2024 graduate of Canton’s program. Now, degree in hand, he is eager to join the work force. “I’m excited,” Key says. “I’m hoping it’s the next leg of my journey that’s going to get me to my success.”