WGU to support aspiring esports pros and youth gamers from military families
by Brian Bencomo
Nerd Street has announced that WGU will be the Official Education Partner of Nerd Street. The university will be featured prominently in the broadcasts and marketing around the latest season of Element, the Rainbow Six Siege league that is operated by Nerd Street in partnership with Ubisoft.
Element is a Rainbow Six Siege competitive circuit for Tier 2 and Tier 3 players in North America who are looking to compete in the highest level of R6 esports. Element provides a path to pro for R6 esports players who want to compete and develop their skills as they strive to make it to Tier 1 of Rainbow Six esports. The first season of Element began in 2023, and the fifth season will take place in July with a $15,000 prize pool at stake for the 16 teams that will compete. Teams who qualify for Element Five will be competing in Siege X, the latest evolution of Rainbow Six Siege.
WGU is a private, non-profit online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, WGU has become a leader in providing accessible, high-quality education at a low cost. WGU’s online, competency-based model opens higher education pathways for students who lack access to higher education due to location or other barriers.
In addition to sponsoring Element, WGU will be supporting the children of military families who want to participate in Camp Nerd Street this summer. WGU will provide free camp registration to children of current service members who want to attend Camp Nerd Street in Philadelphia.
Camp Nerd Street is a week-long summer camp experience for children aged 8-13 that allows kids who are interested in gaming to meet and engage with their peers in a fun and safe atmosphere. The engaging and educational esports programs balance on-screen gameplay with off-screen activities to help kids think critically about gaming while participating in an active, social, and cognitive curriculum.
“WGU is excited to join the gaming and esports community through our Nerd Street partnership,” said Jeff Harley, Rear Adm., US Navy (Ret.), WGU’s Senior Director of Military Engagement. “Not only does esports provide a pathway to STEM education, but it also helps develop strategic thinking, communication, and teamwork skills that are valuable in any career. We’re also delighted to give back to our military community by providing the opportunity for some family members to attend Camp Nerd Street for free.”
“WGU’s decision to support Element and Camp Nerd Street is a win for gamers of all levels - from kids who love playing Minecraft to Rainbow Six players who want to go pro,” said Nerd Street CEO and Founder John Fazio. “We believe universities will be a major lever in unlocking educational and career opportunities for gamers everywhere, and we're excited to work with WGU to empower those opportunities.”
