College of Education and Human Development
Game Design @ Mason Afterschool Program Receives Grant from Dell
September 7, 2012
George Mason University has been selected as a recipient of a 2012 Dell Powering the Possible grant.
Students participate in a game design workshop at the Arlington campus of George Mason University. Photo by Lori A. Wilson.
The funding, in the form of cash grants and equipment, will support the Game Design @ Mason Afterschool program. This free, year-long afterschool program provides Washington area middle and high school students with first-hand experience using digital media technology to create video games.
By drawing students from Northeast Washington, Arlington, and other D.C. area locations, the program aims to increase interest and exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content and careers among students who are traditionally underrepresented in these fields.
"We know technology can do a world of good, and we are thrilled to be working with George Mason University to help further its overall mission," said Trisa Thompson, Dell's Vice President of Corporate Responsibility.
Dr. Kevin Clark receives the first shipment of Dell equipment for the Game Design @ Mason Afterschool program. Photo by Jari Fofana.
Game Design @ Mason Afterschool is an expansion of a series offered for the past four years by Mason's Center for Digital Media Innovation and Diversity, and is distinguished by the research focus that underlies it.
"We believe the research findings will 'pay it forward' by supporting other programs that focus on broadening STEM interest and participation," said Kevin Clark, professor of education in Mason's division of learning technologies.
Dell's support also funds a series of five "pathways" workshops offered in cooperation with Mason's Early Identification Program, which promotes college as an option to potential first generation students, 80 percent of whom are either African American or Latino.
The workshops are directed by Joseph Williams, assistant professor of counseling and development, and offer students an opportunity to meet and connect with local Dell employees, entrepreneurs, and professionals in order to gain first-hand knowledge of STEM careers and resources as they reach for academic and career achievement.
To learn more, visit the website at gamedesign.gmu.edu.
About the College of Education and Human Development
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools, the Graduate School of Education, which is the largest in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a comprehensive range of degrees, courses, licensure, and professional development programs on campus, online, and on site. The college is distinguished by faculty who encourage new ways of thinking and pioneering research supported by more than $75 million in funding over the past five years.
About Dell
Dell Inc. listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. Powering the Possible is Dell's commitment to address pressing social issues by donating a combination of Dell technologies and solutions, funding, expertise, and volunteer support. In 2011, Dell gave more than $44 million, and Dell team members volunteered more than 418,000 hours in their communities.
For additional information from Dell:
- Dell Powering the Possible: www.dell.com/poweringthepossible
- Dell on Twitter: twitter.com/Dell4Good
For additional information from Mason:
- Contact CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
- College of Education and Human Development: cehd.gmu.edu
- Center for Digital Media Innovation and Diversity: cdmid.gmu.edu
- Mason's Early Identification Program: eip.gmu.edu
- Game Design @ Mason Afterschool: gamedesign.gmu.edu
Follow CEHD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MasonCEHD or Twitter at @MasonCEHD.