Calhoun Community College is now offering esports scholarships for the first time in the history of the program.  The first of the scholarships will be awarded during a signing ceremony on Thursday in the Noble Russell Esports Gaming Lab at Calhoun’s Decatur campus.

According to Dr. Pat Wilson, Vice President of Student Services, the program currently has ten full tuition scholarships, which will cover the student’s tuition and fees. Students who have been accepted into the College’s Esports Program, are in good academic standing, and enrolled full-time in 12 or more semester hours are eligible for the scholarship.

“This is a huge milestone for our program,” commented Casey Knighten, Calhoun’s Multimedia Audio/Video Technician and Esports Gaming Coach. “Scholarships are not only vital for students to complete their academic courses, but it is also an excellent way to reward the hard work and dedication they put forth in the gaming competitions,” added Knighten.

Esports has changed the sports industry drastically as it continues to grow across the nation becoming a billion-dollar industry. Within the past few years, esports has seen a dramatic rise attracting individuals in their early 20’s and 30’s to this platform of gaming. Since 2019, viewership of esports competitions on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch have exceed 450 million worldwide.

Calhoun launched its Esports Program on their Decatur and Huntsville campuses in the fall of 2020, and is one of 105 schools currently competing in the NJCAAE. The team competed in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League, and Rainbow Six Siege competitions. “We are extremely anxious for the new season to begin, and are excited to have four of our original members return for another season and receive scholarships,” said Knighten.

The program is currently recruiting new members who are interested in competing on a collegiate level and growing with the team.  The College still has a limited number of scholarships available. The new season is scheduled to begin on September 20, 2021.

For students who are interested in competing and joining Calhoun’s Esports Gaming Team, visit www.calhoun.edu/esports or call Casey Knighten at 256-260-4302.