Games for Change (G4C) Student Challenge
The Games for Change (G4C) Student Challenge is a national game design program and competition that invites students to create digital games about issues impacting their communities. The Challenge is run in cities across the United States and includes professional development in game-based learning for cohorts of teachers, in-school and after-school game making courses, student game jams and workshops, mentorship by professional game designers and social issue themes with multimedia content provided by cause-based partners. The program culminates in a game design competition through which students submit their original impact games and compete for prizes such as scholarships, technology, industry-related opportunities and national recognition. Outstanding student work is showcased and prizes are awarded during celebratory Awards Ceremonies at the end of each school year.
The Challenge is designed to expose students to, and excite their interest in, career opportunities in STEM, develop 21st century skills such as creativity and collaboration, encourage civic participation, and advance digital storytelling skills. In addition, the Challenge builds capacity for teachers to use game-based learning tools and approaches as ways to deepen student learning and engagement, benefiting their classrooms, schools and districts.
Games for Change (G4C) is a nonprofit that facilitates the creation and distribution of digital games that serve as powerful tools in humanitarian and educational efforts and leverages entertainment and engagement for social good. G4C convenes diverse stakeholders, highlights best practices, incubates games, and helps create and direct investment into new projects. (http://www.gamesforchange.org/)
JOIN THE G4C STUDENT CHALLENGE AND TEACH IMPACT GAME DESIGN TO YOUR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS!
The Games for Change Student Challenge is the leading national game design program that combines students’ passion for games with digital learning and civic engagement.
The 2021-2022 G4C Student Challenge will take place in 6 cities – Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, New York City and Seattle – as well as nationally through online offerings. The program includes professional development in game-based learning for teacher/school cohorts in each city, in-school and after-school game making courses, student game jams and workshops, mentorship from games industry professionals, and social impact themes with digital resources provided by cause-based partners. The Challenge culminates in a national game design competition and regional awards ceremonies to celebrate (and award) outstanding student work .
CALL FOR TEACHERS!
During the 2021-2022 school year, G4C and partners will work with cohorts of 60+ public/charter schools in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, New York City and Seattle. Middle/High school teachers from diverse backgrounds and concentrations are invited to participate; no prior experience with game design and/or computer science is required!
Participating educators will receive:
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- 10 hours of structured PD w/ training in game-based learning and impact game design instruction (live or virtual). NOTE: Stipends will be available for schools to help cover the costs of substitute teachers during the two training days.
- Complimentary access to G4C’s impact game design curriculum, resources and activities.
- Monthly office hours for curriculum, platform (Scratch, etc.) and/or technical support.
- Opportunity to work with industry mentors (ie: games professionals), who visit classrooms to share career insights and offer students creative feedback.
- Assessment data on students’ 21st century skills growth.
- Local workshops and game jams.
Interested in joining the G4C Student Challenge teacher cohort this Fall? Fill out the Teacher Application form for your city.