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Partnerships

  • OSSAA: Provides statewide regulatory oversight, sanctioning authority, and official recognition, allowing schools to officially earn OSSAA state championships.

    OKSE: Serves as the official OSSAA advisory body, focusing on school program development, operational support, league platform, and esports community engagement.

  • OU x OKSE is a partnership that will result in future events, recruitment, and additional networking for students and coaches alike on both sides.  The partnership currently fufills other key areas, such as:

    • Pipeline Development: The partnership helps stabilize youth esports pipelines in Oklahoma, providing students with a clear progression from K12 programs into higher education pathways.  
       
    • Research & Studies: The collaboration extends into academic research. OU Esports leads ongoing, national-scale collegiate esports research (such as the VOICE study), to which OKSE contributes valuable K12 context.

  • The K20 Center and OKSE support one another for the benefit of students and helping schools create/develop K12 esports programs in Oklahoma.  The K20 Center focuses on creating learner-centered, technology-rich environments using specific research-based frameworks:

    • IDEALS Framework: Anchored by 10 practices for high student achievement: Inquiry, Discourse, Engagement, Authenticity, Leadership, and Service.
    • 5E Instructional Model: Encourages deep learning through phases designed to Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate.

    Key Programs and Initiatives

    • GEAR UP: A federally sponsored, 7-year program designed to increase the number of low-income students prepared for postsecondary education. K20 manages large, multi-million dollar grants (such as "GEAR UP the METRO") to follow student cohorts from 7th grade through their first year of college.
    • OETT Grants: Partnerships with the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust (OETT) to provide leadership development and classroom technology.
    • START App: An augmented reality (AR) application developed by K20 that provides immersive, gamified tours of colleges and universities.

  • OAEA mission is to empower Oklahoman K12 students by connecting them to local resources for continuing their education within the state's post-secondary academic esports ecosystem of Tech Centers, Colleges, and Universities.

    OAEA vision is dedicated to creating a culture of inclusivity and support, where success is fostering collaboration and understanding, rather than territorialism. By emphasizing the importance of clear pathways in education, we aim to enhance awareness and understanding of the unique offerings of each institution, ensuring K12 students know their next steps. Furthermore, we are committed to raising esports literacy among students, parents, coaches, and teachers, providing them with the tools and knowledge to fully support our students' ambitions. In doing so, we strive to be a selfless organization, breaking down barriers and building bridges within our community to best serve the educational and personal growth of each student at the primary level.

  • ISEA is a nationwide, coalition serving K12 scholastic esports program across the United States.  Founded in 2022, its core mission is to protect, elevate, and empower students by using esports as an accessible platform for social, emotional, and academic growth.  OKSE is the Oklahoma representative institution.

    ISEA frequently collaborates with major gaming and tech leaders to provide accessible resources, equipment, and tournament pathways for students:

    • Nintendo of America: Nintendo partnered with ISEA to facilitate school-organized tournaments for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 3, while supplying participating schools with free digital game codes and memberships.
    • Collegiate Pathways: To help students transition into higher education, ISEA has strategic partnerships in place with the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC). These ensure direct pipelines for scholarships and collegiate recruitment.
    • Technology & Infrastructure: ISEA works alongside brands like Extron to help schools build sustainable, high-impact audiovisual setups for their arenas
    • Regional/National Events: Leveraging ISEA connections and partnerships, there are various opportunities for regional and national event competition offered throughout the year.