S.T.E.A.M. After-School Program
Teaching youth game design and development
The Innovation Challenge is the core program that Hope Tech Youth offers. This program is offered to youth ranging from 6-12th grade, and teaches youth how to develop a mobile application game from beginning to end.
The Innovation Challenge is primarily held after-school for 1 hour per week for 12 weeks (total of 12 hours). These are also available during the summer time with modified schedules.
We have been working hard on revamping our Innovation Challenges with a new programming environment! Our new Innovation Challenge I course will be available in Fall 2021.
This program is FREE to all students who attend!
What They Learn
Students work together as individuals or in teams to create their games. They brainstorm together the theme of their game, and help each other through the development process.
They learn basic graphic design, how to create their own sound effects, and basic coding through block programming.
Listen to Savannah’s Testimony about what she learned at Hope Tech Youth.
Availability
This is subject to change due to COVID-19.
High School Students (Grades 9-12)
Fall: Innovation Challenge I
Spring: Innovation Challenge II
Elementary / Middle Students (Grades 6-8)
Fall and Spring: Innovation Challenge I
Innovation Challenge II is currently unavailable for this age group
We are currently able to teach virtual and in person classes
Hope Tech Intern leading a brainstorming session
THE TOOLS
We use all free software so students can download the tools at home at no cost to them.
Construct 3 - A programming environment to build the game
Inkscape - Vector program used to design their hero, enemy and bullet
Audacity - Tool for students to create their own sound effects
We have used Ready Maker and Stencyl as programming environments in the past
Block programming through Stencyl
GAME DAY!
On the last day, students present their games to the class and their friends.
Check out this video of some of the student’s work!