Riot Games is continuing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by renewing its partnership with DonorsChoose, a nonprofit that helps public school teachers secure classroom materials through donations. The one-year renewal, announced on Sept. 4, includes Riot matching up to $200,000 in donations, particularly for teachers developing gaming and esports projects in the 2024-2025 school year.
This initiative positions Riot’s partnership as part of its broader DEI efforts, focusing on helping underserved schools access gaming technology.
The partnership aims to benefit teachers in underfunded schools, with Riot matching up to $3,000 for individual teachers participating in the program. Riot views this as a DEI initiative because it expands access to gaming and esports in lower-income classrooms, which often lack the resources to support such projects. Many of the teachers who apply for DonorsChoose funding come from schools with a high percentage of students of color or from low-income households, highlighting the program’s focus on equity.
Riot Games Renews DEI Commitment with $200,000 Matching for Gaming and Esports in Underserved Schools
Teachers like Austin Colberg, from Alliance Smidt Technology High School in Los Angeles, have directly benefited from this partnership. Colberg, an assistant principal and esports director, secured funding for new gaming equipment through DonorsChoose, allowing his students access to updated resources they wouldn’t otherwise have. This reflects the broader impact of Riot’s support in helping schools with limited resources create opportunities in gaming and esports.
Riot’s support is significant in helping schools that might otherwise struggle to provide esports opportunities. Kristina Lyles, the senior vice president of equity and impact at DonorsChoose, emphasized that many of the projects supported by Riot have involved students of color or those from low-income households. She highlighted the success of a North Carolina esports team, which achieved second place in a major tournament thanks to the resources they received through the program.
Despite the broader cultural backlash against DEI initiatives, Riot remains committed to its diversity efforts, recognizing the importance of fostering a more inclusive gaming industry. While some companies have scaled back their DEI programs due to economic pressures or political pushback, Riot sees diversity as essential to the future of the gaming industry. By continuing to support DEI initiatives, Riot believes it can help cultivate the next generation of diverse game designers and creators.
