On Aug. 23, Riot Games announced their team-up with the nonprofit DonorsChoose, unveiling an initiative during the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Media Day to support middle and high school teachers who nurture the budding talents of future gaming professionals.

Riot has committed to matching donations for gaming and esports-related teacher projects on DonorsChoose, with a cap at $200,000, aiming for a collective fund of $400,000. Furthermore, Riot promises to extend grants to all active middle and high school gaming and esports projects on the platform in California.

Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose, commented on the partnership's significance: “Across the nation, students in public schools harbor aspirations in engineering and game development. Riot Games is championing these potential future designers by empowering their educators.”

The collaboration with DonorsChoose is a testament to Riot Games' ongoing commitment to advancing the next generation of the gaming industry. Earlier in the season, the game developer hosted a month-long coding and leadership program for 45 students from UrbanTXT: Teens Exploring Technology, offering them an invaluable experience of learning directly from Riot staff.

Jeffrey Burrell, Head of Social Impact at Riot Games, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the potential of gaming as a viable career path. He urged everyone to join the effort, stating, “We wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of gaming, and partnering with DonorsChoose to back numerous dedicated teachers nationwide is our way of marking VCT’s debut in North America.”

DonorsChoose has been a pivotal platform enabling public school educators to seek essential resources for their classrooms. Their collaboration with Riot Games comes at a time when more schools are integrating game design and esports into their curriculum.

About Riot Games

Established in 2006, Riot Games, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is celebrated for its player-focused games. Its flagship title, League of Legends, released in 2009, stands as the most-played PC game globally. Riot Games continues to expand its universe with various titles and multimedia projects.

About VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT)

VALORANT, a 5v5 character-based tactical shooter, has captivated millions globally. The VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) is a global circuit hosted by Riot Games to support this thriving competitive community.

About DonorsChoose

Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose is the premier platform for supporting public schools, with $1.4 billion in contributions aiding over 2 million teacher requests to date. Recognized for its transparency, the 501(c)3 nonprofit has received top ratings from Charity Navigator and GuideStar. More information is available at www.donorschoose.org.