Students from Fulton’s Early College High School program recently traveled to ELITE Gaming in Syracuse for a hands-on look at the countless jobs that fuel the growing esports industry. The visit was part of a larger range of experiences and job shadowing opportunities available throughout the summer.

Rising sophomore students were able to tour the company’s facilities and equipment, focusing on podcasting, livestreaming and esports competitions, all up-and-coming industries that earn billions each year. While most people might recognize a YouTube celebrity or famous podcaster, each are supported by dozens of people behind-the-scenes – all representing lucrative careers.

The half-day tour asked students to consider these options as they aided staff with Syracuse middle school students already at the facility as part of a tech-based summer camp. As younger students competed in a series of tournaments, early college students assisted with production and live-streaming, “shoutcasting” play-by-play and analytical commentary and the overall organizing of the competition.

The experience previews more robust experiences the students will enjoy in later years.

“Our ECHS job shadowing program gives high school students a realistic, firsthand look at a career,” noted Sean Broderick, one of the program’s coordinators at G. Ray Bodley High School. “It bridges the gap between the learning that goes on in our classrooms and daily workplace realities before they commit to a major or future path.”

Fulton’s Early College program allows students at GRB to challenge themselves with rigorous courses and valuable experiences throughout their high school career. Two programs – information technology and health sciences – are currently available. By their senior year, participants can earn an associate’s degree alongside a wealth of practical experience in their chosen pathway. Though based in Fulton, the program now includes participants from the Mexico and Hannibal districts as well.

The experience at ELITE gaming is only one of many opportunities offered to early college students throughout the summer. Information technology students have additionally enjoyed placements at organizations like King + King Architects and WCNY. Health science students have similarly completed job shadowing opportunities at Upstate Medical Campus in Syracuse and now turn to similar prospects within the Oswego Health network.

“We’re grateful for all our workforce partners that provide these incredible experiences for our students,” added Broderick.