ELIZABETHTOWN, PA – July 13, 2026 – Today, State Senator James Andrew Malone joined Elizabethtown Area High School staff and esports athletes to announce an $80,000 state grant he helped secure for the school to install a state-of-the-art, ADA-accessible esports arena. The award was made possible through discretionary funds that state lawmakers can advocate for projects within their districts to receive.
“I was proud to advocate for this funding that will provide a permanent space and equipment so the esports program at Elizabethtown Area High School can continue to thrive,” said Senator Malone. “Everyone deserves an opportunity to feel connected to their school and find community. This program does that for Etown students by giving kids of different physical abilities the opportunity to put on a jersey and represent their school in heated competitions across the state. I was especially proud to support this project because the students and their coach, Austin Henderson, have achieved great success while supporting the program through the club’s fundraising efforts alone.”
Prior to the grant award, the Elizabethtown Area High School’s rapidly growing Unified Esports team received no official funding from the school district. Coach Austin Henderson and student athletes were responsible for fundraising to support the club and pay for travel to competitions. Despite limited resources and no permanent space to practice, the team already boasts noteworthy achievements, including PIEA State Championships in Overwatch and Marvel Rivals, respectively. Three seniors have also received esports-specific scholarship offers.
“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Malone for recognizing the value of our esports program and the opportunities it creates for students,” said Elizabethtown Area School District Superintendent Tom Strickler. “This grant will help us provide a dedicated space where students can develop meaningful skills, build lasting relationships, and prepare for success both in competition and beyond.”
The Elizabethtown Area High School’s esports club is affiliated with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Esports Federation and Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League, which promotes learning, opportunity, community, diversity and respect. These organizations host tournaments throughout the year with dozens of high schools participating throughout Pennsylvania. In addition to practicing skills such as collaboration and problem-solving, students are also given a variety of leadership and non-gaming engagement opportunities.
Esports are seeing explosive growth in high schools across the country and many colleges are offering scholarships for esports athletes. The Elizabethtown Area High School’s esports program started in 2018. The team currently has a roster of 32 students who play various multiplayer competitive video games, including League of Legends, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros, and Marvel Rivals.
Photos of the grant announcement are available for download and use by media HERE.
Media interested in attending should RSVP to Marshall Miller at Marshall.Miller@PASenate.com or 717-951-0795.
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