Announcing the Howard County YEP! Esports Clinic

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has selected Howard Community College (HCC) as a Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) grant recipient. HCC was one of thirteen organizations selected to develop free programming in support of the mental health, wellness, and social-emotional learning of young people. YEP! programs also foster leadership development through mentorship, tutoring, and specialized workshops.

As part of this initiative, HCC’s nationally recognized esports team has developed a clinic to prepare young people to maximize their potential in competitive esports. The Howard County YEP! Esports Clinic will hold monthly gaming workshops from May 2023 to September 2024 in HCC’s state-of-the-art esports competition room.

In 2020, HCC became the first Maryland community college to launch a competitive esports program. In just three years of existence, HCC’s esports program has won a national championship and five conference titles.

“I’ve had the pleasure of seeing HCC student-athletes grow and take their video game skills to the next level, while learning communication, collaboration, strategy, and how to work together as a team,” said HCC’s head esports coach Mark Winkel. “HCC is proud to provide Howard County middle and high school students the same opportunity to grow in the booming industry of competitive esports.”

Learn more about the YEP! grant through the Howard County Government's website.