At this month’s Ocean County Business Association (OCBA) networking lunch meeting, we had the pleasure of hosting Chris Aviles (known to us as “Chris from Garden State Esports”), who runs a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the benefits of competitive gaming—also known as esports—to students across New Jersey.
A Homegrown Leader in Esports
Chris, a Toms River native and former educator in Barnegat and other local school districts, shared how Garden State Esports (GSE) began in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Initially, it was just a handful of teachers creating remote video game competitions for students who had suddenly found their extracurricular activities canceled. Word of mouth and enthusiastic participation quickly turned a small initiative into a statewide phenomenon.
Today, Garden State Esports is the largest scholastic esports league in the country, boasting:
- 400+ schools (middle, high school, and collegiate)
- 15,000+ students participating
- Partnerships with respected New Jersey institutions such as Georgian Court University and the Grunin Foundation
Fostering School Connections & Career Readiness
Although GSE’s core offering is video game competitions, Chris emphasized the organization’s broader mission: connecting students to their schools and each other. Many participating kids previously had no involvement in sports, clubs, or extracurriculars. By providing a competitive gaming outlet they’re passionate about, GSE helps boost attendance, academic motivation, and overall engagement.
But GSE’s benefits aren’t limited to fun and games. As Chris explained, the esports ecosystem aligns with New Jersey’s Arts, Entertainment & Design career cluster, offering invaluable experience in:
- Video editing & animation
- Graphic design & interactive media
- Game design & production
In other words, the same students who come to GSE for the gaming often discover a passion (and talent) for STEM and creative fields, potentially leading to lucrative careers at companies like Netflix, NFL Films, or other major media and tech firms establishing roots in New Jersey.
A Non-Profit Focused on Inclusivity
Garden State Esports is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, meaning financial barriers for Title I schools or students from low-income backgrounds are minimal. While schools now pay a modest membership fee of $500 to join, Chris is committed to maintaining GSE’s accessibility for all, ensuring no student is left behind.
Some noteworthy highlights from GSE’s own statistics:
- 42% of participants had no prior involvement in school activities before joining.
- 97% report making at least one new friend through esports.
- 72% say that being part of esports motivates them to attend school more often.
- 89% indicate that their team’s academic requirements push them to work harder in class.
These figures underscore GSE’s transformative impact: boosting student belonging, improving academic performance, and supporting mental health—simply by leveraging the universal appeal of gaming.
Bridging the Gap to Higher Education
GSE also partners with many New Jersey colleges and universities—including Georgian Court University in Lakewood—to help students see the possibilities of pursuing higher education while staying in-state. In some cases, college esports programs even offer scholarships, further encouraging GSE members to build their skills and consider a future in gaming-related industries.
Join GSE or Support Its Mission
Chris wrapped up by noting that Garden State Esports continues to grow and is always looking for community support—be it through sponsorship, collaboration, or simply spreading the word to local schools and families. With robust career connections, an inclusive environment, and a steadfast commitment to student success, GSE is making waves in education and workforce development across New Jersey.
If you want to learn more, visit https://gsesports.org/ (Garden State Esports) or contact Chris directly. Keep an eye on GSE’s upcoming events—there may be opportunities for OCBA members to get involved, whether through sponsorships, mentorship, or technology support.
OCBA: Connecting Businesses and the Community
The OCBA is proud to welcome forward-thinking organizations like Garden State Esports into our meetings. By fostering these connections, we help local businesses, non-profits, and community members create positive, lasting impacts on education, technology, and economic growth right here in Ocean County.
Interested in joining the OCBA or connecting with more innovators in our network?
Request Membership Information to learn how you can become a part of Ocean County’s industry-exclusive networking group and take your community involvement to the next level!
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