FlowPlay Donates $60,000 to Washington's Technology Access Foundation Academy

SEATTLE, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FlowPlay, creator of the most powerful immersive gaming platform, today announced a $60,000 donation to the Technology Access Foundation (TAF) Academy as part of the company's 10-year anniversary celebration. FlowPlay's contribution is allocated for the development of The Lighthouse Design & Engineering Lab, one of three new start-of-the-art labs being constructed during TAF's 2017 campus expansion. The lab will support TAF Academy's larger mission to prepare every student for college and life through a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum, providing innovative educational experiences to many students whom otherwise would lack the opportunity.

Part of Federal Way Public Schools, TAF Academy is a 6-12 public neighborhood school serving a diverse student body made up of nearly 70 percent minority students and half that qualify for Free and Reduced (FRE) meals. With the goal of enlisting students as active participants in their education and cultivating an awareness of their broader role in the world, TAF sustains a 95 percent graduation rate with 100 percent of graduating seniors accepted into college. In just eight years of operation, TAF Academy has garnered attention on both district and national levels, winning numerous state and national awards for excellence and innovation.

"Partnerships with companies like FlowPlay that share our values have been critical in helping us continue to achieve our mission and serve students over the past 20 years," said Trish Dziko, executive director of TAF Academy. "The work our students will put into the Lighthouse lab's creation will provide a memorable, hands-on learning experience. The involvement of FlowPlay's team during the process is also giving students a valuable opportunity to access networking and mentoring among successful professionals from our local technology industry."

The Lighthouse Design & Engineering Lab will provide students with an open, collaborative learning community that is fully equipped with first-class tools and software including a 3D printer, laser cutter, microscopes for DNA barcoding, video production tools, carpentry tools and more. Students will use these tools and software to explore next generation projects such as interactive architecture, wearable technology and sustainable city designs. The lab will be designed and installed by TAF middle and high school students with support from the FlowPlay staff.

"Promoting STEM education has always been an important cause at FlowPlay, and we're continuously looking for partners that are dedicated to making technology more accessible for all students," said Derrick Morton, CEO of FlowPlay. "The TAF Academy has made a real, positive difference for hundreds of kids, and working side by side with their students is the perfect way to celebrate our company's 10-year anniversary. We are eager to get started with them and hope our contribution will help inspire Washington's future engineers and designers."

For more information about partnering with TAF, visit: http://techaccess.org/partners/.

About FlowPlay
FlowPlay is the company behind the most powerful immersive gaming platform for casual and sports wagering games, virtual worlds and social casinos. A developer, operator and publisher, FlowPlay serves both consumers and businesses with engaging online and mobile free-to-play experiences. Partners turn to FlowPlay for its extensive multiplayer infrastructure, industry-leading monetization rates and proven track record helping businesses launch custom-branded online games. FlowPlay's consumer products include ourWorld, one of the most popular teen virtual worlds, and Vegas World, the industry's most engaging multiplayer social casino. Together, they have been played by a loyal community of more than 75 million users around the world. FlowPlay dominates a cross-section of industries including online and mobile games, fantasy sports and casinos – consistently creating opportunities in high-growth and emerging markets. Based in Seattle, FlowPlay was founded in 2006 and is primarily funded by Intel Capital and the creators of Skype. For more information, visit www.FlowPlay.com or contact [email protected].

About the Technology Access Foundation Academy
TAF Academy is a fully accredited, award-winning 6-12th grade neighborhood public school, managed in partnership between the Federal Way school district and Technology Access Foundation (TAF). TAF Academy provides a rigorous and relevant learning environment rooted in project-based learning practices for today's college-bound student. The school serves a diverse student population in a historically low-performing area, and encourages participation by female and ethnic minority students who typically have been underrepresented in STEM fields. It offers STEM industry immersion, college and career readiness and technology education. Currently, 95% of TAF Academy students graduate on-time, with 100% of the graduates accepted into college. For five years in a row, the Center for Educational Effectiveness has awarded TAF Academy with a "School of Distinction" award, noting it to be one of the top 5% highest improving schools in WA state for increased reading and math achievement. For more information about TAF Academy, visit http://tafacademy.techaccess.org/ or contact [email protected].

FlowPlay PR Contact
Michelle Isacson
Barokas PR for FlowPlay
[email protected]
(206) 264-8220

TAF Academy PR Contact
Kylin Oliphant
Marketing and Communications Manager
[email protected]
(206) 725-9095 Ext. 101

SOURCE FlowPlay

Related Links

http://www.flowplay.com