14 students between 2nd – 6th grade from 5 different EAH Housing Locations in California
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!
Students had introductions and learned about video game structure
Students continued learning about game structure and went over how to set up the graphics of a video game
Students learned how to program, code, and how to set up game function
Students finished up the programming and fine tuning of their their game
Showcase/Demo Day! Students explained and presented their finished video game !
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!
Students reported a significant increase in their understanding of and their comfort with game design and development after the camp
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
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.”
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.”
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. “
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.”
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.”