Session Name: | Teaching Game Development to School Kids: What We Did, How You Can Too |
Speaker(s): | Jeremiah Blanchard |
Company Name(s): | University of Florida |
Track / Format: | Advocacy |
Overview: | A year ago, Jeremiah Blanchard and his colleagues embarked on the creation of a non-profit, Cacti Council, to teach kids computer science through games. They thought, "how hard could it be?" Little did they know just how difficult it is to connect to the right people to get into schools to help teachers and kids learn about programming; navigating bureaucracies, politics, and funding. This talk will focus on the logistical challenges he and his team faced setting up a non-profit charity, connecting to volunteers, seeking funding, and connecting to the right people in Florida's elementary and high school system. By serving as a concrete example of game developers who were able to connect to the community, this lecture will present practical tips and tricks for others to set up their own community initiatives. |