Suzie Quinn Talks DEL & Dubuque Community School District Esports Partnership
Dubuque Community Schools have partnered with the Dubuque Esports League to launch an exciting new high school esports team, providing students with an innovative way to engage in extracurricular activities. This partnership marks a major step forward for the district, reflecting the increasing interest in esports and the growing opportunities within the gaming industry.
Suzie Quinn, DEL Co-Founder and Co Volunteer Executive Director, spoke with me about how the partnership came to be and the impact it’s already having on students. “We’ve seen tremendous interest from students in our local community who are passionate about gaming,” Quinn said. “This partnership with the school district allows us to create something structured and meaningful that students can really invest in.”
For many students, the esports team offers an outlet that’s different from traditional sports and clubs. According to Quinn, the team gives students who might not otherwise be involved in extracurriculars a chance to participate in a collaborative and competitive environment. “Esports is not just about sitting at home and playing games,” she explained. “It’s about teamwork, strategy, communication, and so much more. It offers a whole new set of skills that students can develop.”
Quinn also highlighted the educational benefits that go beyond just gaming. "Esports is a gateway into broader fields focused in STEM careers. It's amazing how students can take their passion for gaming and translate it into skills that are valuable in the modern workforce,” she said. “We’re already seeing students get excited about potential careers in game development, IT, engineering, broadcasting, and beyond."
The partnership offers students the chance to compete in organized gaming tournaments, much like traditional sports teams. They’ll also have access to coaching and support, thanks to the resources provided by the Dubuque Esports League. “We’re making sure that students have the tools they need to succeed, both in the game and in life,” Quinn said. “There’s a real community being built here, and it’s giving these students an incredible opportunity to grow.”
For Dubuque Community Schools, the decision to partner with the league was driven by student demand and a desire to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. “Esports has skyrocketed in popularity across the world and it’s been a regularly requested addition to our extracurricular offerings,” said Coby Culbertson, the Dubuque School district’s chief technology officer. “This new partnership gives us the chance to connect our students with the expertise and facilities of the Dubuque Esports League. It’s a true partnership with everyone dedicated to giving students outstanding opportunities to compete while developing them as individuals.”
Quinn emphasized that the partnership is part of a larger, national trend of integrating esports into educational programs. “This isn’t just happening in Dubuque,” she pointed out. “Across the country, more and more schools are seeing the value of esports, both for the students and for the schools. We’re excited to be at the forefront of this movement in our community.”
Looking ahead, Quinn is optimistic about the future of the Dubuque esports team. “We’ve got a lot of talent in this area, and I think we’re going to see our students thrive in this environment,” she said. “It’s not just about the competitions; it’s about building leadership, responsibility, and community. These kids are really passionate, and we’re proud to support them.” Check out the full interview with Suzie Quinn below:
As esports continues to grow in popularity and acceptance, the Dubuque Community Schools and Dubuque Esports League partnership is giving local students a unique opportunity to be part of an evolving global phenomenon. With the support of dedicated organizers like Suzie Quinn, the future of high school esports in Dubuque is looking bright.
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