Break the cycle of poverty through education

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EAH Low Income Housing

Game Design Camp

  • April 2022

The Details

Program Goal

SSF is dedicated to increasing access to STEM education for all. The goal of our Game Design Camp is to introduce students to game design and programming basics in a fun and hands on way.

Participant Break Down

14 students between 2nd – 6th grade from 5 different EAH Housing Locations in California

Our Peer Coaches

Brett Renaud was the instructor for our April 2022 Game Design Camp. Brett was introduced to coding in the 11th grade. He enjoys working with SSF because he likes helping others understand coding as well. On is free time he plays video games and solve many kinds of Rubik’s cubes!

Anaya Jain was the Assistant Instructor for our April 2022 Game Design Camp. Anaya started coding in 6th Grade and has learned Java, Python, HTML, C, JavaScript and CSS. Coding is one of her favorite activities to do because she loves looking at problems and finding different ways to solve them!

Camp Overview

DAY 1

Students had introductions and learned about video game structure

DAY 2

Students continued learning about game structure and went over how to set up the graphics of a video game

DAY 3

Students learned how to program, code, and how to set up game function

DAY 4

Students finished up the programming and fine tuning of their their game

DAY 5

Showcase/Demo Day! Students explained and presented their finished video game !

Students in Action

Game Design Students - Final Projects

Abraham
Alim*
Dilshaan*
Emily
Jade
Jaycee
Jayden
Jeremie
Jordyn
Lauriel
Ricky
Salamasina
Savali
Soliana

Outcomes

Students worked together to create a video game from start to finish

Students discussed and presented their game design project to SSF and EAH reps and competed for first place

More than $400 distributed to participants in rewards and incentives

Students leave camp with a finished game design and basic programming knowledge – a good introduction to programming!

certificate_31

Certificates and winners declared and full class graduation

Students reported a significant increase in their understanding of and their comfort with game design and development after the camp

Survey Results

  • 70% of participants reported their understanding of game design and programming increased significantly by participating in this camp
  • 100% of students reported that they would recommend this camp to their friends
  • Coach feedback was 100% positive with great suggestions for future programs
  • 100% of students reported to have enjoyed the camp elements

Feedback

"Anaya was very helpful and encouraged me with my game, the pace was good and she made it really easy to get caught up when I was behind."
Jade
Participant
"I had a wonderful experience with my instructors. They were helpful and answered all my questions, and they created breakout rooms to help me when my game wasn’t working."
Jordyn
Participant
"I found the camp very fun. I was so happy I was able to create a video game."
Jordyn
Participant
“I loved assisting with this camp! Seeing the accomplishment in their faces really made me happy to bring that kind of emotion to students. I believe this camp was great because students were able to learn about coding in a fun way and feel excited about doing it!”
Anaya
Assistant Peer Mentor
"Instructor Anaya and Brett were fun and helped me with coding. In this camp, I learned how to code and get out of my comfort zone."
Muhammad
Participant

Thank You Organizers!

Amanda Clapper, Brett Renaud, Anaya Jain, Mahima Natarajan, Melissa Hurtado, Latha Nara

Kristin Taylor, Jesus Becerra, Connie Chan, Edward Gama, Michelle Parker, Jessica Soria, Trisha Garcia, Casey Ortal, Kelsey Holway, Analie Diaz

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Board Member

Jayashree Sundaresan

Jayashree Sundaresan is a Senior Technology leader with 24+ years of experience. A servant leader at heart, she strongly believes in creating positive impact to transform people beyond who they think they are and what they think they can achieve. Jayashree is very passionate about empowering women, guiding children, giving back to society and focusing on wellness as a priority. She is also a die-hard sports enthusiast and a singer. She thoroughly enjoys coaching & mentoring people to share and learn. Jayashree holds a Bachelors degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and an MBA from Santa Clara University, USA.

“I am thrilled to join the Board of Directors at SSF and impact lives by helping with the education of underprivileged, deserving, bright, and passionate students. The vision and mission of SSF aims to pull families out of generational poverty through the skill building, mentoring, training and sponsorship of scholars. This energises me and resonates with my values and beliefs to lead change in communities through working with children, educating them and helping them gain confidence, perspective and a lifelong desire to be a force of positive impact.”

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Advisor & Board Observer

Uma Meyyappan

SVP, Head of Digital Innovation, LPL Financial

“Uma is an Innovation Technology Executive with over 20 years of experience in the Financial services industry where she accelerates business value with the use of emerging technology.

Uma’s extensive research in financial technologies such as digital payments, biometrics, augmented reality, and Internet of Things (IoT) has resulted in over 35 issued US patents to her name.

Uma is a Founding LP in Neythri Futures Fund and Founding circle member in Neythri, an organization that promotes south asian women. Being a strong believer of child literacy and education Uma is delighted to assist Shooting Stars Foundation eradicate generational poverty through STEM education.”

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Board Member

Kevin Lee

Program Manager at NVIDIA

“Kevin has over 10 years experience in leadership roles in the Finance and Technology sectors. Prior to joining NVIDIA, Kevin taught at University of California, Berkeley and helped the school transition from in-person learning to online learning.

Kevin is passionate about learning, teaching, and fostering innovation from future generations. Having witnessed first-hand the positive impact education can have on his students’ career prospects, Kevin is excited to contribute to Shooting Stars Foundation and its mission to break the cycle of poverty through STEM education. “

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Advisor & Board Observer

Brian McCann

President, Security Solutions at Neustar, Inc.

“High-energy business leader with passion for driving growth in organizations and cyber security technologies – and education foundations!

SSF’s founder and mission are rooted in empowering others to take control to improve their future. STEM education is a proven and scalable path to break generational poverty.”

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Board Member

Dawna Taylor

Regional Director with the Global Services Department for Cognia,

“Dawna L. Taylor is the Regional Director with the Global Services Department for Cognia, the largest School Improvement organization globally. Before joining Cognia, Ms. Taylor served as the Assistant Vice President of K-12 programs for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. She also led, designed, and oversaw an out-of-school STEM program for middle and high school students in Baltimore, MD, and Vicksburg, MS. She has been an elementary teacher, reading specialist, assistant principal, and principal in traditional public schools and charter schools.

Ms. Taylor served as Director of Blended Learning Programs for one of the nation’s largest public cyber schools. Her professional expertise is in developing, managing, and consulting for charter schools and STEM Outreach programs across the country. Ms. Taylor has a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida A&M University in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Supervision, and Administration from Jones International University. She is the proud mother of two adult children, Raleigh and Morgan.”