Saint Mark’s partners with UD to develop esports internship program

Saint Mark’s High School is pleased to welcome Pete Thomas and Ethan Ciarlo as interns in the esports department. Both Thomas and Ciarlo are currently students from the University of Delaware majoring in esports.

Saint Mark’s Esports Manager Chris Ruffini said he was thrilled when the University of Delaware reached out to him a few months ago and asked if he would consider creating internships for UD students. “They studied the various esports programs in the area and determined that Saint Mark’s could offer a valuable opportunity for their students to experience a one-of-a-kind program in a high school setting.”

Both Thomas and Ciarlo will be creating educational units for the game concepts course, designing graphics for Spartan teams and live streams, and assisting in coaching the esports competitive team after school. Ruffini is excited to see the rapid growth of esports in the area. “Students now have a pathway to finding careers in the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry and Saint Mark’s is at the forefront,” he said. “Students can focus on different areas of study within the esports major including business management, graphic design, computer science, event planning and much more.” Thomas is focusing on esports management while Ciarlo is concentrating on game design and programming.

Saint Mark’s President Tom Fertal is enthusiastic about the partnership with the University of Delaware. “This collaborative effort with the University of Delaware is truly a win-win. The UD students are afforded the opportunity for hands-on experience at a leading esports facility and program, while our students learn from, and are inspired by, mentors who are pursuing their dreams in this exciting field.”