About Us
Fostering and supporting scholastic esports in New York StateThe Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF) is a non-profit organization led and run by educators, dedicated to supporting accessible K-12 scholastic esports across New York State.
Our Mission
Our mission is to use esports to encourage community involvement, academic achievement, and career development in youth within a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment.
Our Vision
To help schools and students across NYS enjoy the benefits of scholastic Esports.
# of Schools in the ESSEF Network
Established Statewide Network
We have a statewide educational network for scholastic esports in New York serving 100+ schools.
In-Person Championships
We have a NYS championship pathway, organizing large scale in-person events in collaboration with collegiate partners.
Lowering Barriers to Entry
We work to increase scholastic participation in esports across geographic and demographic boundaries, working to ensure low barriers to entry while increasing the legitimacy of an endeavor that has changed the trajectory of students lives.
Supporting School Programs
We have distributed over $5,500 worth of Nintendo online subscription and game codes through a partnership with Nintendo of America, vis a vis the Interstate Scholastic Esports Alliance.
Leading Professional Development
We lead statewide professional development in partnership with BOCES and educational technology conferences, as we share vetted best practices for integrating esports directly into school culture.
College & Career Connections
We have created authentic college and career exposure for New York students. Our players regularly compete at university venues and interact with collegiate esports programs.
Run by NYS Educators for NYS Students
Supported by Local Schools and Communities
Compete Against NYS Schools on a Familiar Schedule
Board of Directors
The Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation is served entirely by public, private, and charter school employees who volunteer their time to provide all K-12 students in New York State with a premier esports experience. We are dedicated to meeting students where they are—translating their love for gaming into structured opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and future academic and career success.
Scott Beiter - President
Science Teacher
Rensselaer City School District
[email protected]
Kevin Calderin - Vice President
English Teacher
Washingtonville Central School District
[email protected]
Jeffery Cheramie - Treasurer
Science Teacher
Palmyra-Macedon Central School District
[email protected]
Chris Hall
Business Teacher
Manchester-Shortsville Central School District
[email protected]
Daniel Humphrey
Owner
585 FighterZ – Rochester, NY
[email protected]
Elmer Flores
Special Education Teacher
Uniondale Union Free School District
[email protected]
Gigina Long
Visual Art Teacher
West Genesee Central School District
[email protected]
Justin Jacobson Esq
Entertainment, Sports, and Esports/Video Game Attorney
Adjunct Professor at Fisher College and Hunter College
Esports Instructor at Post University
[email protected]
Pamela Moreno
Special Education Teacher
Community Health Academy of the Heights
[email protected]
Mailing address: ESSEF, PO Box 52, Delmar NY, 12054