CHARLOTTE, N.C. – June 16th, 2025 — Stay Plugged In, a leading gaming organization focused on providing educational and career opportunities and Washington State Scholastic Esports Association (WSSEA), Washington’s only scholastic esports nonprofit led by Washington educators, are collaborating on a multi-year partnership designed to enhance student engagement and advance student outcomes across the state.
This partnership aims to incorporate the expertise of WSSEA with the Stay+ academic services and curriculum. Through this educational initiative, students gain access to academic roadmapping, STEM and esports competitions, increased visibility to colleges and universities, and connectivity to an emerging talent pipeline for local corporate partners. The program, led by Stay Plugged In, includes mentorship, career guidance, skill development, as well as collegiate and career opportunities.
“Stay Plugged In is thrilled to collaborate with WSSEA and its network of schools. This partnership strengthens our presence on the West Coast, enabling us to offer enhanced support and avenues for students. Recognizing the continued growth and engagement within the student gaming community, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive solution that assists in identifying collegiate and professional pathways. Our objective is to serve as a reliable resource for teachers, coaches, and students, offering practical and effective solutions that lead to favorable results. We eagerly embark on this journey with WSSEA and are fully devoted to supporting their future endeavors” said Rick Suarez, managing director of Stay Plugged In.
Stay Plugged In will provide students in the Washington State Scholastic Esports Association with free access to the leading recruitment platform, which has connected students to over $40 million dollars in scholarships since 2021. Included in this relationship will be access for coaches and schools to take advantage of our high school portal, merchandise, and free consultations around creating an impactful program with in-house infrastructure.
"WSSEA is extremely excited to partner with Stay Plugged In to expand opportunities for our Washington State students. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to help students develop critical 21st-century skills while pursuing their passion for esports. By combining our educational expertise with Stay Plugged In's proven recruitment platform and $40 million track record in scholarships, we're creating pathways that connect classroom learning to real collegiate and career opportunities. This partnership will help more students across Washington State see esports not just as gaming, but as a gateway to their future success.”
The partnership kicked off as of June and both parties have already started planning around outcomes for the students. To learn more, visit plus.staypluggedin.com
About Stay Plugged In
Stay Plugged In is dedicated to creating educational and career opportunities for high school students through esports, CTE, and STEM programs. Established in 2020, Stay Plugged In has been named the leading esports recruiting platform in the US for three consecutive years, generating more than $40 million in scholarship benefits for its student members. Stay Plugged In is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for students of all levels, enabling growth, learning and community through gaming.
Media Contact
Public Relations info@staypluggedin.com
About Washington State Scholastic Esports Association
The Washington State Scholastic Esports Association (WSSEA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by educators in partnership with passionate industry experts throughout Washington State to foster growth and opportunity for students through esports. WSSEA’s mission is to provide a platform where students can develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, and professionally while engaging in safe, accessible, and enjoyable esports competitions that reflect the diversity of Washington State.
Esports at WSSEA goes beyond gaming—it equips middle and high school students with critical 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving while pursuing their passions. The organization also supports teachers and coaches by offering resources for club creation, coaching, and curriculum integration to prepare students for careers in the esports industry.
WSSEA’s key goals include:
Delivering high-quality esports competitions tailored to Washington schools.
Supporting educators with tools to establish and sustain esports clubs.
Distributing curriculum to help students develop industry-relevant skills.
Building partnerships between schools, colleges, and professional esports organizations.
Through its efforts, WSSEA ensures that esports becomes an inclusive activity for all students, with 50-75% of participants reporting it as their first extracurricular experience. By bridging education and competitive gaming, WSSEA creates meaningful opportunities for students across Washington State
Media Contact
Jake Voss jake@wssea.games 206-707-6588