Anaheim Union High School District to launch game design and esports pathway with Fullerton College – OCDE Newsroom

Quick look: The Anaheim Union High School District and Fullerton College are launching a Game Design and Esports Pathway to prepare students for careers in the global gaming industry. The program debuts Nov. 3 at the district’s College and Career Fair.

Esports has given students the chance to connect and engage through games. And now one local district is giving them a chance to design the games themselves.

Through a new partnership with Fullerton College, the Anaheim Union High School District is introducing a Game Design and Esports Pathway that blends storytelling, technology and teamwork to prepare students for careers in the fast-growing video game and interactive media industry — estimated to surpass $500 billion globally in the coming years.

Supported by the audiovisual company Extron, the program — billed as the first of its kind — will launch at the district’s College and Career Fair on Nov. 3 at the Anaheim Convention Center before rolling out at Katella High School and South Junior High School.

“Video game design is more than entertainment — it’s an emerging driver of the 21st-century economy, blending STEM, art and storytelling,” said AUHSD Superintendent Michael Matsuda. “Through this collaboration with Fullerton College, we’re opening doors for students to explore high-wage, high-growth fields with relevance.”

The Game Design and Esports Pathway is set to provide students with hands-on coursework in coding, 3D modeling, narrative design and game development fundamentals, beginning as early as junior high school and continuing through high school.

Students will also have opportunities to earn early college credit through dual enrollment with Fullerton College, collaborate with faculty mentors and access state-of-the-art labs to collaborate on game design projects. Original student-designed games will be showcased in districtwide events and competitions.

The Anaheim Union High School District serves about 26,000 students across Anaheim, Cypress, Buena Park, La Palma and Stanton. As the program expands, the district said it will continue working with educators and industry leaders to ensure it stays aligned with evolving workforce needs.