Calling all high school gamers! Returning for its second year, Easterseals Redwood is collaborating with Cincinnati Fear, Game Day, and the University of Cincinnati to host Game to Career: Esports Employment Fair on Feb. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub (2900 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH).

Last year’s event brought together more than 90 attendees, which included students, parents, and educators. The goal of the employment fair is to provide an opportunity for students and potential employers to connect, and for students to learn how to leverage the cognitive and strategic skillsets they develop through videogaming and apply them to real-world job applications.

Game to Career is one part of Easterseals Redwood’s larger mission to connect neurodivergent individuals with employment opportunities. The Neurodiversity Employment Initiative is designed with and for neurodiverse young adults seeking employment in cybersecurity, IT, droning, and other tech-related fields. By utilizing video-gaming as a learning tool, the initiative supports students as they transfer their interests into career skills.

“In today’s digital-first world, video games are more than entertainment — they’re a powerful pathway to in-demand skills,” said Debbie Smith, Senior Advisor of Strategic Innovation at Easterseals Redwood. “Many of the strengths developed through gaming translate directly to high-demand careers in IT and technology fields. Through events like Game to Career, our Neurodiversity Employment Initiative allows us to connect neurodiverse young adults with real job opportunities, while shifting the conversation from limitations to the value of inclusive hiring. By doing so, we’re helping to build a sustainable talent pipeline that meets the needs of employers across our region.”

At Game to Career, high school and college students will have the opportunity to meet and network with potential employers in the fields of droning, cybersecurity, IT services, and more. Participating companies this year include AMIP Cincy, Comcast, and Fifth Third.

“Game to Career shows what’s possible when education, employers, and esports come together with intention,” said Jackie Reau, CEO of Game Day Communications and President of Cincinnati Fear. “Competitive gaming builds real workforce skills, including strategic thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. This event helps students recognize the value of those skills, connect directly with employers, and see a clear path from passion to profession. When we invest in inclusive, skills-based hiring, we are not just setting students up for success. We are strengthening the future workforce for our entire region.”

Individual registration for Game to Career is $20 and is required in advance online via eventbrite. Employers who would like to sponsor the event, can contact Samanth Shattuck at sshattuck@eastersealsredwood.org or (513)-790-4625.

New in 2026 is a Smash Tournament, a competitive video game event in which players battle in Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. series. Cost to enter the tournament is $5. Advance registration is required and space is limited.

To learn more about Game to Career or other opportunities through the Easterseals Redwood Neurodiversity Employment Initiative, contact Debbie Smith at dsmith@eastersealsredwood.org.

Easterseals Redwood is a nonprofit working to empower children and adults with disabilities, military veterans and people facing disadvantages to live full and meaningful lives.