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West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press.
AMBER TOWNSHIP, Mason County — A regional partnership among three community foundations will fund the expansion of elementary esports programs to public schools throughout Mason, Lake and Oceana counties beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
MiSTEM Network Region 9 and West Shore Educational Service District announced the initiative, which builds on a successful pilot program designed to engage upper elementary students in STEM learning, teamwork and social-emotional development through scholastic esports.
Funding for the expansion includes $4,920 from the Oceana Community Foundation through its Community Investment Fund, supported by an anonymous donor; $1,240 from the Lake County Community Foundation; and $1,000 from the Community Foundation for Mason County Youth Advisory Council.
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Program organizers said the investment will allow schools across the three-county region to implement a standardized elementary esports curriculum and infrastructure.
The program uses video games as a vehicle for introducing students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts while promoting collaboration, communication and leadership skills. Students participate in structured, team-based activities modeled after collegiate and professional scholastic esports programs.
According to 2025-26 MiSTEM Esports Survey Reports compiled by Everett Evaluation Research & Consulting, educators and parents reported improvements in student engagement and school connectedness among participants.
The evaluation also found growth in students’ interest in STEM subjects and positive changes in teamwork, communication and emotional self-regulation.
One parent surveyed reported that their child developed a stronger interest in STEM and STEAM subjects after joining the program.
“My child has shown a greater interest in STEM/STEAM subjects since taking Esports,” the parent said. “She wasn’t too keen on STEAM at school and doesn’t complain about it anymore.”
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Brian Dotson, director of MiSTEM Region 9, said the support from local foundations will help ensure long-term access to the program.
“The expansion of Elementary Esports represents a beautiful alignment between community philanthropy and educational innovation,” Dotson said. “We are deeply grateful to the Community Foundation for Mason County, the Lake County Community Foundation, and the Oceana Community Foundation. Their support ensures that the Elementary Esports experience can be sustained for years to come and hundreds of upper elementary students will gain confidence, build a supportive team community, and discover a passion for technology and STEM careers.”
Organizers said the regional expansion is intended to eliminate geographic and financial barriers that could prevent students from accessing digital literacy and technology-focused learning opportunities.
MiSTEM Network Region 9 works with educational institutions, businesses and community organizations to support STEM education and workforce development throughout west Michigan.
For more information about the elementary esports program, contact Dotson at briandotson@wsesd.org.
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