Almost 70% of video game designers in the U.S. are white. The Urban Arts summer camp in New York City wants to see more designers of color from low-income households enter the field. They believe that starts with an intensive — and fun — education.
Students spend 40 hours a week learning about coding, animation and how to build a video game — all for free. They also receive career advice and are encouraged to stay in touch with their peers and teachers.
“I wasn’t able to make one by myself like I’m doing now because I would end up getting too frustrated and just [quit] altogether,” said Shamel Bobbit, a 16-year-old Urban Arts camper. “Now, you feel like this is all in your grasp. Like it’s all coming to you and it’s all for you. It’s meant to be for you.”
Urban Arts has served 260,000 students. Since 2017, all high school seniors in the camp have gone on to college and more than $25 million in scholarships have been awarded.
“Our goal in doing work like this is creating a diverse talent pipeline, creating opportunities for students who might not otherwise be able to go into these fields or even know what’s available,” said Amy Patterson, Urban Arts Chief Program Officer. “We teach digital game design as a pathway to college and career.”
Learn more about the games students designed in the video above. Find out more about the summer camp here.
