Fisher College, PlayVS back Lawrence High esports with $3,000 donation

Fisher College Esports and PlayVS are funding Lawrence High School’s student-led esports program with a $3,000 donation to cover tournament fees, jerseys and equipment. The support signals growing momentum for scholastic esports as schools use competitive gaming to build leadership, teamwork and student engagement. Why it matters: - The donation helps Lawrence High School expand a student-led program that is already drawing students into school activities through competitive gaming. - The funding supports a model of scholastic esports that can build teamwork, communication, leadership and academic engagement. - The partnership also points to esports as a pathway for students interested in gaming, technology, media and digital innovation. What happened: - Fisher College Esports and PlayVS celebrated a $3,000 donation to the Lawrence High School Esports Program. - PlayVS provided the donation. - The money will pay for tournament fees, team jerseys and equipment. - The announcement was made June 17, 2026, in Boston. The details: - Lawrence High School Esports began during the 2024-25 school year after students pushed for a competitive gaming team. - The program has become one of the school’s most impactful extracurricular activities. - In its first year, Lawrence High School teams reached the playoffs in both competitive seasons. - The teams finished third in both seasons. - The program serves about 25 students in grades 9 through 12. - Students compete in League of Legends, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Rocket League. - School leaders plan to add more game titles next year. - The program gives students who may not join traditional athletics or other activities a place to participate and build confidence. Between the lines: - The grant reflects a broader push to treat esports as a serious extracurricular option, not just a gaming club. - Fisher College President Steven Rich framed the effort as a way to help students build confidence, strengthen teamwork and see paths to college and careers. - The partnership also reinforces Fisher College’s positioning in collegiate esports and PlayVS’s role in school-based competitive gaming. What’s next: - Lawrence High School plans to expand the program into additional game titles next year. - Fisher College and PlayVS say they will continue supporting scholastic esports programs that help students compete, connect and succeed. - Lawrence High School students may gain more opportunities to join the program as offerings grow. The bottom line: - A relatively small grant is helping Lawrence High School turn esports into a broader student-engagement and leadership program.