Girls in the Los Angeles area are getting a chance to learn about the game development processs! The new badge program, a partnership between Women In Games International and The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles will help encourage future women game developers entering a still male-dominated industry. The Boy Scouts of America recently began game design merit badge program so it’s great news that girls will have a chance to get in on the fun (and education) as well.
“Our ultimate goal is to create a STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics]-aligned video game badge for the Girl Scouts of the United States of America,” Amy Allison, WIGI, told Girl Gamer. “Creating this badge will get young girls excited in technology and science and let them know that they, too, can have a career in the video game industry.”
GSGLA Chief Executive Officer Lise Luttgens added, “Girl Scouts has a long history of developing pioneers in the fields of science and technology, so we are excited about collaborating with Women in Games International to ignite girls’ interests in [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] STEM-related subjects.”
While still in the planning stages, Girl Gamer reports the badge will be awarded to girls who complete the Gamestar Mechanic educational program. Gamestar, which teaches kids how games are created, is itself presented as a course of games that entertain while they educate.
From Gamestar’s FAQ:
“Gamestar Mechanic is a game and community designed to teach kids the principles of game design and systems thinking in a highly engaging environment. It is designed for 7- to 14-year-olds but is open to everyone. We’ve included features in Gamestar that make it useful for kids playing the game on their own or with family members at home, as well as in moderated and educational settings.”
Hopefully this pilot program will be spread to girl scout troops nationwide soon!
[Via: Girl Gamer]