The National Science Foundation has awarded Winston-Salem State University a significant $400,000 grant to integrate esports into its computer science education program. The funding is part of the NSF’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities-Undergraduate Program and will support a project titled “Enhancing Undergraduate Computer Science Education Through Esports.”
Led by Dr. Jinghua Zhang, a WSSU computer science professor, the research team includes co-principal investigators Dr. Mustafa Atay, also a computer science professor, and Dr. Rennae Stowe, an associate professor in health, physical education, and sport studies. This interdisciplinary initiative seeks to leverage esports as a tool for cultural expression and innovation.
The initiative is poised to attract and retain underrepresented minority students in computer science, a critical step towards increasing diversity within STEM fields. By creating an esports lab and developing esports-infused course modules, WSSU aims to create a more engaging learning environment that cultivates confidence and passion among students, helping to bridge achievement gaps in STEM education.
“We are excited to receive this grant, which will enable the development of our esports lab,” Zhang said. “This initiative will enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and bring new energy to our computer science curriculum, allowing us to integrate esports-infused modules and provide students with hands-on experience in this fast-growing industry.”
In addition to enriching educational experiences, the project aligns with WSSU’s strategic priorities, which focus on high-quality teaching and research that supports student success. By fostering a diverse pool of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, WSSU hopes to contribute to a more inclusive and innovative workforce.