stem-initiative
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STEM Video Game Challenge deadline extended to March 23
The 2012 STEM Video Game Challenge has had its deadline extended to March 23. First launched in 2010 as part of President Barack Obama's STEM initiative, the challenge is designed to promote education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The challenge tasks middle schoolers, high schoolers, college students and educators with the creation of a video game (or video game design documents), a project that requires skills in all STEM disciplines.Prizes up for grabs include laptops for students, cash donations for schools and project funding for teams at the collegiate and educational level. Those interested in signing up for the challenge can find more info at StemChallenge.org.
Activision Blizzard contributing to Obama's STEM initiative
Through the corporate-backed "Change the Equation" program, Activision Blizzard is aiding the science, technology, engineering and math initiative enacted by the Obama administration. A press release this morning announced Activision's participation, with chief public policy officer George Rose adding, "STEM literacy is a business imperative for our nation's economic excellence, success and citizenship. Our collaboration will not only help students, but will revive our economy, fuel our competitiveness, and ultimately empower our nation." Change the Equation (CTEq) plans on working with "top companies" across "multiple sectors" with the intention of stimulating STEM literacy among youth, countrywide. Activision specifically will be "using video games to promote student interest in science and technology," which we have to imagine doesn't mean sending out leftover copies of Guitar Hero: Van Halen to middle schools. At least, we seriously hope not.
ESA partners with Microsoft & Sony for STEM initiative, launches game creation competitions
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the game industry lobby group, today announced two new game creation contests meant to support President Obama's STEM initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math studies). A partnership between the ESA, Microsoft, Sony, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC), and the MacArthur Foundation will help to fund and run a series of STEM-related game design competitions. Details of the first two competitions – "Game Changers" and the less creatively titled "STEM National Video Game Competition" – are scant at the moment, though the former will involve Sony donating 1,000 PS3s and copies of LittleBigPlanet to libraries and community-based organizations in low-income districts, with plans to share the winning levels free to the gaming public. When asked, an ESA representative told Joystiq that more information would be revealed in "the coming weeks."
