East Stroudsburg University students Monica Wood of Lehighton and Mark Van Auken of Brodheadsville participated in the Esports Overwatch League Grand Finals in Philadelphia in late September as part of the implementation of the University’s National Science Foundation grant, The ESportsU Foundations Project, an exploratory project to create culturally relevant learning experiences to generate awareness, interest and motivation in STEM skill development.

The grant is in the early stages of implementation, and is geared to impact and change the course of students’ lives by channeling their passion for esports gaming into a passion for STEM education and beyond.

Wood is a senior majoring in business management. Van Auken is a graduate student majoring in management and leadership.