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The Council for Opportunity in Education Partners with the Esports Performance Academy to Power Next-Gen College Readiness for TRIO Students 

August 18, 2025 — by Terrance L. Hamm

The partnership will build community and boost retention through team-based gaming, integrate esports curricula aligned with academic and workforce needs, connect students to internships and jobs in a rapidly growing $9 billion–$16 billion industry, and leverage esports leagues to engage first-generation students from low-income households. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is excited to announce a new partnership with the Esports Performance Academy (EPA) to integrate esports-driven instruction into TRIO pre-college and college programs nationwide. By leveraging the structure and appeal of competitive gaming, this collaboration will open fresh avenues for student engagement, academic and career preparation, and campus innovation.  

“Esports has rapidly moved from a pastime to a dynamic platform that builds teamwork, leadership, and technical skills—exactly the competencies our TRIO students need to thrive in college and beyond,” said Kimberly Jones, President of COE. “With more than 185 colleges fielding varsity esports teams and the industry on track to reach $16 billion by 2033, this partnership gives our programs a proven, transformative pathway to drive student motivation and success.”  

EPA Founder and CEO Andrew “Veritas” Cooley added, “While only 50% of high school students play traditional sports, over 90% of high school students are engaged in some form of esports. By adapting the competitive spirit of the NBA and NFL to an academic context, we help all students develop everything from media production and event management skills to strategic thinking and resilience. We aim to turn gaming passion into real-world opportunities—whether in tech, marketing, or campus leadership.” 

COE will promote EPA’s offerings—interactive webinars, mentor-led gaming labs, and curriculum modules that mirror professional league structures. TRIO directors will gain turnkey resources for: 

  • Boosting recruitment and retention through engaged, community-driven gaming events; 
  • Cultivating career pathways in both traditional industries and esports marketing, management, and design; and 
  • Enhancing campus facilities by integrating gaming centers and competitive arenas.  

This collaboration underscores COE’s commitment to innovative, student-centered programming that reflects emerging trends in higher education and the workforce. 

For more information on how your TRIO program can bring esports into student support services, visit coenet.org or epa.gg. 

About the Council for Opportunity in Education 

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1981, dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate. Over a million low-income students and students with disabilities each year receive college access and retention services through our member colleges and agencies. 

About Esports Performance Academy 

The Esports Performance Academy (EPA) is a data-driven coaching and player development company based in Dallas, Texas. EPA delivers college readiness and student engagement training through an esports-inspired model that combines in-game development, holistic performance, and academic guidance. Its programming builds technical, collaborative, and leadership skills while promoting physical and mental well-being, all through the structure and appeal of competitive gaming to drive academic and career success. 

Media Inquiries

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact Terrance L. Hamm, associate vice-president for communications and marketing at COE via email at [email protected] or call (202) 347-7430.

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