GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It’s one of the fastest-growing activities in schools across the country: esports, or competitive video gaming.

Jump Ahead LC3 received funding as part of a City of Grand Rapids anti-violence initiative to help students play and learn more about the growing field.

Dee Jones, the local nonprofit’s chief energy officer, said his organization was one of five selected by the city, and he is looking forward to helping introduce more students to the opportunities within the esports field.

“I’ve been advocating for esports for a long time. My advocacy was finally paid off,” Jones said, adding that he started his nonprofit six years ago.

Currently, there are six esports labs in the Grand Rapids School District and Jones is in talks with the district to utilize the labs to engage students in things like content creation, game design and other skills that can help them build a career in the growing field.

The funding Jones’ nonprofit received will go toward an Esports competition, paying volunteers and for prize money for the student participants.

Jones said his passion comes from wanting to “create equitable economic growth for everyone.”