Project Narrative
The proposed project, "OSD Esports Program," aims to establish a competitive and educational Esports initiative at the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD). This program will create a dedicated space for students to engage in team-based gaming, develop critical skills such as strategic thinking and collaboration, and foster social connections within the Deaf community. The initiative aligns with OSD’s goal of providing innovative opportunities for students to excel academically, socially, and personally. The project includes the purchase of gaming equipment, software licenses, and necessary furnishings, as well as hosting gaming sessions and facilitating coaching sessions. By integrating Esports into the school’s extracurricular offerings, the program addresses the diverse interests and talents of OSD students while promoting inclusivity and 21st-century skill development.
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Project Purpose, Goals, and Objectives
The purpose of the OSD Esports Program is to provide students with a dynamic platform to develop recreational, athletic, and academic skills in a collaborative and engaging environment. This initiative integrates Oregon state standards for technology and career readiness, ensuring students gain well-rounded benefits. Research (EDUCAUSE, North America Scholastic Esports Federation - NASEF, and International Journal of Esports Research) highlights the cognitive and social advantages of Esports, such as improved focus, teamwork, and strategic decision-making, which align with middle and high school developmental goals.
Goals:
1. Promote physical and mental well-being by balancing screen time with education about ergonomics, healthy gaming habits, and physical exercise.
2. Foster teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship through structured team-based gaming activities.
3. Support academic growth by incorporating STEM concepts like coding, game analytics, and problem-solving into Esports training.
4.Enhance career readiness by exposing students to technology-driven industries related to gaming, such as design, programming, and event management.
Objectives:
1. Align Esports activities with Oregon state standards by ensuring educational components meet requirements for technology and physical education.
2. Provide opportunities for students to participate in state and national Esports competitions, promoting athletic abilities and competitive spirit.
3. Host workshops and training sessions that emphasize the importance of critical thinking, strategy, and collaboration.
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Project Benefits
The OSD Esports Program meets a growing need to diversify extracurricular activities, particularly for students interested in technology and gaming. Approximately 10-15 OSD students will benefit from this initiative, gaining access to:
-A structured environment for recreational and competitive gaming.
-Opportunities to develop valuable career and life skills, such as leadership, communication, and digital literacy.
-Increased social interaction and community building within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community.
Additionally, the program aligns with OSD’s broader mission to prepare students for college and career readiness by fostering skills applicable to technology and STEM fields.
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Project Evaluation
The benefits of the OSD Esports Program will be evaluated through:
1. Student Participation Metrics: Tracking the number of students involved in the program.
2. Feedback Surveys: Collecting qualitative data from students, parents, and staff about their experiences and perceived benefits.
3. Tournament Outcomes: Evaluating team performance in local and national competitions as a measure of skill development.
Results will be compiled into a brief report for the Friends of OSD (FOSD) to demonstrate the program’s impact.
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Proposed Budget
The proposed budget for the OSD Esports Program includes:
MSI Codex R2 Gaming PC- CDW part# 8120571 /6 / $926.67 each ($5,560.02 for 6)
144hz Gaming Monitor- CDW part# 6561614 /6 / $299.99 each ($1,799.94 for 6)
MSI Gaming Mouse- CDW part# 6199716 /6 / $19.94 each ($119.64 for 6)
MSI Gaming Mouse Pad- CDW part# 7842144 /6 /$32.91 each ($197.46 for 6)
MSI Gaming Keyboard- CDW part# 5659523 /6 / $42.88 each ($257.28 for 6)
High Speed HDMI Cable- CDW part# 755135 /6 / $8.97 each ($53.82 for 6)
Ethernet Switch- CDW part# 6655656 /1 / $23.93
Cat8 Ethernet Cable(7ft)- CDW part# 7465074 / 6 /$16.95 each ($101.70 for 6)
Cat8 Ethernet Cable(10ft)- CDW part# 7465048 /1 / $19.94
RESPAWN Gaming Chair- CDW part# 7954841 / 6 / $201.49 each ($1,208.94 for 6)
Outlet Power Strip- CDW part# 7819200 / 2 / $18.94 each ($37.88 for 2)
Total: $9,817.85
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Project Timeline
December 2024: Form the OSD Esports Team, identifying staff coaches and student players. (Completed)
January 2025: Register with the Tiger Gaming League (RIT) and begin team preparation for the regular season (January 15 – February 26). (Completed registration with TGL)
February 2025: Register with the Youth Esports Series (Gallaudet), with the regular season beginning February 17. Purchase gaming equipment prior to March playoffs. FOSD funds of $9,817.85 are needed by February 1, 2025, or as soon as possible (flexible with dates) for equipment and software setup.
March 2025: Participate in Tiger Gaming League Playoffs (March 12 – March 26). Conduct practice sessions leading to Youth Esports Series Playoffs starting March 31.
April 2025: Compete in Youth Esports Series Playoffs (March 31 – April 25) and Finals (April 28 – May 2). Evaluate team performance and program effectiveness.
May – June 2025: Begin recruiting new players for the Fall 2025 season.
June 2025: Compile a brief report on the program’s outcomes, including tournament results and student feedback, for FOSD.
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Project Reporting and Accountability
Coach Mahon Kelly will be responsible for reporting, and Athletic Director/Principal Matt Boyd will be accountable to FOSD for overall award. Payment will be made through School Cashier Sharon Thompson (Purchase Order has been filled out with itemized list mentioned above).
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Documents
