Louisiana Scholastic Esports Federation: Building the Future of Louisiana’s Workforce Through Esports

Esports is more than just a game, at the Louisiana Scholastic Esports Federation (LASEF), it’s a catalyst for career discovery, personal development, and community engagement. Founded with a vision to transform Louisiana’s educational landscape, LASEF is pioneering a unique approach to esports. Unlike traditional leagues that focus primarily on competition and trophies, LASEF goes beyond the game by using every event, match, and broadcast as a classroom for career exploration.

As the Executive Director of LASEF, Jeffery Harrison has seen firsthand how esports can spark not only the passion for gaming but also inspire students to envision a future in technology, broadcasting, event management, and other STEM fields. The organization’s approach has earned widespread recognition, with LASEF positioned as an innovative leader in using esports to empower the state’s students.

From Spark to Ecosystem: How LASEF is Transforming Opportunity

Esports isn’t just about playing games, it’s about the endless possibilities that gaming opens for students. As highlighted in the article “From Spark to Ecosystem: How Esports is Transforming Opportunity for Students in Louisiana,” LASEF’s model takes students on a journey from participating in competitive esports to gaining critical skills for their future careers.

“The future of work in Louisiana is being shaped by the students in our program today,” said Jeffery Harrison. “Every esports event, every match, and every broadcast serves as an opportunity for students to explore different industries and understand the career possibilities available to them. It’s about more than winning games, it’s about winning futures.”

Going Beyond the Game: Career Discovery Through Esports

LASEF’s core distinction from other esports programs is its commitment to career development. Many leagues focus solely on competition, but LASEF sees every game as an opportunity for students to engage with real-world industries. Through partnerships with local businesses, tech companies, and broadcasting networks, students are exposed to a wide range of career options that go beyond gaming. Whether students are learning about game design, video production, or event coordination, LASEF is creating a pathway to a range of career fields that students may not have otherwise considered.

“The reality is, we are creating tomorrow’s workforce. When students see professionals in broadcasting, game development, and event management working together in real-time, they can see themselves in those careers. Esports is the perfect gateway for career exploration,” said Harrison.

Shaping Louisiana’s Future Workforce

LASEF’s impact extends beyond just providing an outlet for students to play esports. It’s a community-building force that brings together students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and learn. Whether through competitive tournaments or mentoring sessions, LASEF emphasizes the importance of teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking, skills that are crucial for success in any career.

Additionally, LASEF is playing a significant role in bridging the gap between education and industry. Through internship programs and job shadowing opportunities, students gain hands-on experience with companies involved in esports and related fields. It’s not just about playing games, it’s about preparing for careers in industries poised for growth, such as digital media, technology, and sports management.

“Esports may be the spark, but the ecosystem we’ve built here at LASEF is about supporting a sustainable, long-term career trajectory for our students,” Harrison emphasized.

The Unique Strength of LASEF: A Holistic Approach to Esports

LASEF is proud of the community it has fostered among its students, schools, and industry partners. The focus on holistic development has made LASEF a standout program within Louisiana. With esports as a powerful tool, LASEF encourages students to be well-rounded individuals who excel not just in the virtual world, but in the professional world too.

From mentorships to partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders, LASEF fosters a collaborative environment where students can discover their passions and build lasting career opportunities.

Why LASEF Stands Out from Other Esports Programs

LASEF stands out for its commitment to student growth and workforce development. While other esports programs focus on gaming skills and competition, LASEF goes further by providing real-world career opportunities, hands-on experience, and mentoring. The organization believes that every match is more than a chance to compete, it’s a chance to discover new interests, unlock career paths, and build the skills needed for the workforce of tomorrow.

The Future of LASEF and Louisiana’s Students

Looking ahead, LASEF plans to continue growing and expanding its influence. The goal is simple: to create a thriving esports ecosystem that empowers students, fosters career opportunities, and contributes to Louisiana’s economic development. By integrating esports into education, LASEF is not only preparing students for success in the workforce but is also helping Louisiana’s businesses thrive by providing them with a highly skilled workforce ready for the challenges of the future.

“We’re just getting started,” said Jeffery Harrison. “The impact esports will have on Louisiana’s students and workforce will be felt for generations.”

For more information about the Louisiana Scholastic Esports Federation, visit their website at LASEFUP.org, or follow them on Facebook @LASEFUP and Instagram @lasefupesports.