EA SPORTS and Montverde Academy (MVA) are partnering through 2025 to create unparalleled educational and extracurricular opportunities for aspiring video game industry professionals, marked by the launch of “EA SPORTS at MVA” in August 2022. Combining insights from the top publisher of sports video games and an institution recognized globally for producing academically advanced students, EA SPORTS at MVA represents the convergence of world-class industry, academic and athletic expertise.
Available to students enrolled in the Upper School, the program will complement core curricula with an emphasis on the applications of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) in digital media and interactive entertainment. Students will learn foundational concepts, such as game design theory, story and character development, and coding. Outside the classroom, eSports and competitive gaming activities will offer unique hands-on learning experiences. Leveraging the expertise of nearby professionals developing Madden NFL, PGA TOUR and College Football at the EA SPORTS development studio in Orlando, EA Tiburon, the program will also provide greater access to industry role models and mentorship.
“We are thrilled about what this partnership means for our students,” said Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, President of MVA. “Not only will this program put them at a tremendous advantage should they wish to pursue a career in corporate video game development, but many of them will likely compete collegiately in eSports where real scholarship dollars are being offered for graduating seniors who have become expert gamers.”
Together, the partners are also advancing equity and inclusion in STEAM education by eliminating the barriers that would otherwise prevent some students from participating. Each year, a select number of eligible “EA SPORTS Scholars” will receive financial aid to offset the cost of tuition based upon a demonstrated need for support.
“This partnership builds upon our ongoing efforts to increase exposure and access among students from diverse backgrounds as we inspire them to become electronic artists of the future,” said Daryl Holt, vice president and general manager, EA Tiburon, EA SPORTS Austin and EA SPORTS Madrid. “We hope this program will ignite a passion for gaming among students who participate and empower them to pursue careers at EA SPORTS.”
EA SPORTS at MVA is a centerpiece of the Educational Technology and Innovation Center, a progressive learning space planned to encourage collaboration, creativity and innovation through 3-D printing, virtual reality, photo and video production, robotics and more.
The program is expected to attract talent from around the world, spotlighting Central Florida on the global stage as a premier location for education in digital media and interactive entertainment. It joins the region’s emerging industry cluster with more than 1,300 companies specializing in virtual/augmented reality, video game design, attraction design and mobile app development, and a nationally ranked graduate program for game development at the University of Central Florida’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy.
For more information about EA SPORTS at MVA and to enroll in the Upper School, visit https://montverde.org/.
About Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy is an international, independent college preparatory school for grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies, with a boarding program serving grades 7-12, representing 70+ nationalities. Our mission is to inspire students to become knowledgeable leaders with global vision and passion for learning, in a disciplined and diverse community that nurtures character development. For more information about MVA, visit us online at Montverde.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
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About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers.
In fiscal year 2021, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $5.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, Madden NFL, Need for Speed™, Titanfall™, Plants vs. Zombies™ and F1®. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.
EA SPORTS, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Apex Legends, The Sims, Titanfall and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. All rights reserved. John Madden, NFL, FIFA, and F1 are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.
