AT&T, RIT to host game development camp for kids: How to register

Genae Shields, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·2 min read

As a part of AT&T’s Connected Learning Initiative, the company has made a $2 billion commitment to address the divide in internet accessibility, affordability, and safe adoption.

Poster from games that were developed by RIT students.
Poster from games that were developed by RIT students.

Now, in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology, AT&T host a free game development camp for children in grades 3-6.

The program will be taught by Professor Sten McKinzie as well as others from the School of Interactive Games and Media at RIT’s Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

With the goal of encouraging more underserved and diverse students to enter the field of technology, the program expects to provide more than 50 underrepresented public and charter school students the opportunity to gain digital literacy, technology knowledge and technical readiness skills through unique interactive experiences.

This summer, AT&T will be sponsoring the region's first game development camp. The camp is powered by the Rochester Institute of Technology and will take place on the campus, taught by faculty from the School School of Interactive Games and Media at RIT’s Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.
This summer, AT&T will be sponsoring the region's first game development camp. The camp is powered by the Rochester Institute of Technology and will take place on the campus, taught by faculty from the School School of Interactive Games and Media at RIT’s Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

The theme of the program is using technology for social good. Students will learn how technology can help build a community by developing their own functional digital video games and discovering creative ways of addressing issues impacting youth throughout Rochester.

Visit youtube.com/watch?v=hLG2lwDviqU to watch a video from last year's program.

Each cohort consists of 25 students who will get to build their own digital characters, environments and sound using industry-standard tools, and rare state-of-the-art game development technology and equipment.

Here’s what else you need to know about the program.

When is the game development camp at RIT? Where do I register?

25 students in grades 3-6 will have the opportunity to expand their digital literacy skills and create a game that will benefit their communities. The students will have access to RIT's industry-standard labs and equipment.
25 students in grades 3-6 will have the opportunity to expand their digital literacy skills and create a game that will benefit their communities. The students will have access to RIT's industry-standard labs and equipment.

Each program day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are two sessions to choose from. The first session runs from July 17-21. The second session is July 24-28.

Parents can register their children for the free program at bit.ly/ATTJrGaveDev2023. Registration must be completed by July 3.

How will I know if my child is accepted?

Expect to learn your child's status (accepted, declined or waitlisted) within five days of submitting an application, according to the program. Notice will arrive via email.

If a child is accepted, the notice will include a coupon code to register for RIT's Camp Tiger system. That registration must happen within five business days of being accepted or the student will lose their spot to someone on the waitlist, per the website.

What if my child needs transportation?

In order to prevent economic barriers, lunch, snacks and transportation will be provided for all students.

Do they need to have any prior experience?

No previous technology experience is required.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: RIT game development camp for kids: How to register, what to know