The Orlando-based office of video game giant Electronic Arts will welcome 16 local high school students to a summer camp that will show them the ropes of the game development industry.
The “Get in the Game STEAM Camp” runs for about one week, with college-bound women and non-binary students expected to receive mentorship from Electronic Arts employees.
The technical skills used in video game development have applications across industry in today’s tech-driven environment.
The EA program includes mentorship, peer support, coding instruction and real-world applications of coding to the STEAM fields.
Company officials said this year’s camp, which is the fifth for the company, drew the most applications, with the pool representing 24 Central Florida high schools.
“We are proud to create an inclusive environment where women and non-binary students can take the first steps toward their dream of a career in video games, while also fostering a supportive community that empowers them to reach their full potential,” said Jocel Thornhill, director of operations and program management at EA Tiburon in a press release.
Participants also receive a rare behind-the-scenes look at EA’s world-class technology and tools, and receive coaching from the software engineers and artists credited on iconic games such as EA Sports’ Madden and College Football series.
The camp will close with a video game showcase spotlighting the games that students created with their peers during the week.
The mix of high schools represented includes:
Oviedo High School, Lake Brantley High School (three students), Hagerty High School, Winter Springs High School, Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park High School, Timber Creek High School, NeoCity Academy (three), Lyman High School, Harmony High School and Dr. Phillips High School.