DOWNEY – Downey Unified, in partnership with the Carrot Group, announced the Overwatch Downey Unified High School eSports Tournament: A MADE Initiative, the first ever intra-district high school level eSports tournament in Los Angeles County.

In the six-week program managed by HighSchool.GG, students from Downey and Warren high schools will form six-member teams and compete against the other teams within each school.

The program will culminate in a Final Match on Dec. 4 at the Downey Civic Theatre where the top team from each high school will compete against each other for the grand prize.

Part of Downey Unified’s College and Career Readiness Initiative, this program will show students how their interest in video gaming could turn into prospective careers opportunities, all while addressing a positive approach to healthy competition including teamwork, leadership, resilience and problem solving.

All participating students will attend a facilitated on-campus career pathway session from educational partners: UCode, Positive Coaching Alliance, West Hills College Coalinga and leading game designers.

Participating students will also be eligible to enroll in two free online Game Design courses, each worth three graded college credits, offered by West Hills College Coalinga starting in January 2019.

“We are so proud to host the first high school eSports competition in the region,” expressed Downey Unified Superintendent Dr. John Garcia.

“This competition underscores our Board of Education’s commitment to prepare our students for life after graduation. This educational experience will lead our students into jobs and careers that may not yet exist.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Downey Unified again and design this unique eSports Tournament to align with their college and career readiness initiatives,” added Alan Zack, President of Carrot Group.

“Esports offers a completely safe, level playing field to all who want to compete, regardless of gender, background, or any physical limitations. This program promises to engage all students through something they love to play and inspire them to follow their passion to a future career.”

Each member of the winning team will receive a grand prize package including video gaming accessories from SteelSeries, a meeting with leading game designers, and all-expenses paid trip to a one-week Game Design Bootcamp where they are each eligible to receive an additional two graded college credits on their college transcript.

Additionally, the winning high school will receive a trophy and a $1,000 gift certificate towards computer supplies