April Welch, Illinois Tech Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Director, Esports and Digital Arts was presented the first Level-Up award from the esports trade association along with a thousand dollar check for the Bronzeville Esports League. https://esportsta.org/about-esta/level-up-fund/

Illinois Institute of Technology recently announced the formation of the Bronzeville Esports League. Comprised of both middle and high schoolers, the new league aims to bring esports to schools and community organizations that do not have existing—or access to—esports teams or programs.

Illinois Tech Esports aims to engage the university community in casual and competitive gaming, and strives to create experiences dedicated to the player. Whether through competing in high-level tournaments or a casual LAN party, Illinois Tech Esports aims to create a space for everyone to connect through gaming.

Illinois Tech recently opened the Esports and Digital Arts Center in The McCormick Tribune Campus Center. The university also offers a scholarship—the Illinois Tech Esports Scholarship—for students who indicate an interest in esports on their application.

With more than 117 competitors and 903 members, and a roster of competition and viewing events, Illinois Tech’s esports community runs deep.

The league was launched by Illinois tech with the support of Alderman Pat Dowell (Third Ward) and Scott Greenberg and Chris Lai, co-CEOs of Smash INTERACTIVE and developers of SURGE, which is slated for completion in the fall of 2022.