September 30, 2014 – Washington, DC – Twenty minority students were selected as Leaders on the Fast Track (LOFT) Video Game Innovation Fellows based on games and apps they developed to address social issues in their community, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) announced today.
The fellows, ages 15 to 25, visited Washington, DC October 1-3 and presented their ideas to members of the Obama Administration, Congress, and national community leaders. Each fellow received an innovation grant to help further develop his or her game or app. For additional information on fellows and the ESA Project, contact Santiago Melli-Huber at SantiagoMH@HispanicHeritage.org or (202) 558-9473.
FELLOW’S AGENDA:
October 1
Arrival and informal dinner
October 2
– Congressional Briefing at Capitol Hill [Click Here for Bios of Panelist]
– Luncheon located at 1001 Pennsylvania Ave., 10th Floor, Washington, DC Click Here to view Photos
– Evening Reception
For Photos Click Here
October 3
– White House Briefing with Office of Science and Technology
“This creative partnership with ESA allows us to engage youth on their terms,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of HHF. “We believe that video games are a compelling gateway for teaching students how to code and build their own games and mobile apps — skills that will ultimately help prepare them to compete in today’s technology-driven marketplace. We will empower them to become content creators, not just consumers.”
“The ESA LOFT Video Game Innovation Fellowship demonstrates that games are more than a means of entertainment. They are a valuable tool for positive change in our society,” said Rich Taylor, senior vice president of communications and industry affairs at the ESA. “We are proud to offer an opportunity that will help foster and promote creative thinking and innovation in minority communities through the unique platform only video games can provide.”