Video games may be one of a child’s favorite pastimes, but they can also be a tool for
STEMS skills training. The Loyalty Foundation, a New York City-based nonprofit, has tapped into this opportunity, teaching high school students to create games through a program called Gaming4Good.
“Kids love games, and we wanted to meet them where they were and inspire a sense of community and love for technology,” said David Neeman, Founder and CEO of The Loyalty Foundation. “We want them to learn to problem-solve, create solutions, and be inspired to create their own games while learning real-world tech skills.”
First piloted with the
Police Athletic League (PAL), Gaming4Good students work in collaborative teams, learning to think critically about game design while also crafting the strategies necessary to overcome obstacles they encounter during the development phase. PAL offers a variety of services to kids confronted by high-risk factors in neighborhoods with higher crime rates. Partnerships with on-the-ground organizations like PAL ensure that Gaming4Good reaches students typically underserved with opportunities for STEM skills training. “Teachers are by far the most enthusiastic about Gaming4Good because they know the students love games and are therefore eager to learn basic coding skills,” explained Neeman.
Students who graduate from Gaming4Good are afforded an employment opportunity to teach the course to future students, fulfilling The Loyalty Foundation’s commitment to facilitating