Girl Scouts of the USA and Dell Introduce Girls to Video Game Development with Be the Video Game Developer, Available to All Girls

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Sep 18, 2013, 07:00 ET

Girl Scouts to host interactive event exploring the future of girls in video game development

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has received a two-year, $600,000 grant for its Journey and Connect Through Technology program from the Dell Powering the Possible Youth Learning Initiative and is now releasing Be the Video Game Developer, an interactive experience that puts girls in the driver's seat of video game development.

Through Be the Video Game Developer, girls consider what they would like to see in video games and make selections accordingly—choosing avatars, storylines, and other video game features. They learn ideation, critical thinking, and teamwork skills to help them feel like creators in the game design process. Girl Scouts and Dell believe that Be the Video Game Developer will encourage girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math by exposing them to the exciting world of video game development. The program builds on Dell's commitment to personalized learning for all students to help them to realize their academic goals.

Trisa Thompson, vice president of corporate responsibility, said, "Our partnership with Girl Scouts highlights our commitment to truly 'powering the possible' so that girls can succeed in school, work, and life. We believe that Be the Video Game Developer will empower and provide unique opportunities for girls to acquire knowledge and skills to utilize in future STEM careers."

"We are thrilled to partner with Dell to bring girls a unique and exciting opportunity to design and create their own video game experience," said Anna Maria Chávez, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of the USA. "Today's girls are digital natives, as comfortable in front of computer screens and smartphones as adults. Be the Video Game Developer lets girls delve deeper into the world of technology, learning vital new skills and discovering their own creativity in a manner both engaging and interactive. As we face a future of ever-expanding opportunity in science and technology, Girl Scouts and Dell are partnering to create a girl-led learning experience that will drive more girls into these groundbreaking new fields."

On September 18, 2013, GSUSA and Dell will convene a think tank on innovation in today's gaming industry as it pertains to girls, and the key skills girls need exposure to in order to succeed. At Game On: Girls and Technology, a live audience will be treated to an exciting think-tank session of industry insiders and girls discussing the past, present, and future of video games and girls.

There will also be a live, interactive demonstration of Be the Video Game Developer, during which girls and audience members will contemplate what they would like to see in video games and make selections accordingly—choosing avatars, storylines, and other video game features.

Be the Video Game Developer is part of GSUSA's Journey and Connect Through Technology program, and plays an essential role in introducing girls to ICT concepts and helping them gain skills that promote critical thinking.

Dell has been involved with Girl Scouts for more than 10 years and has worked extensively with the five Girl Scout councils that will receive the game upon launch. Dell team members have provided valuable mentorship, volunteering their time and expertise to these councils, which include Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital, Girl Scouts of Northern California, and Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma.

GSUSA is the only organization, out of 50 charities managing 34 programs, to receive a two-year commitment from the Dell Powering the Possible Youth Learning Initiative. The initiative provides $2.4 million to charities nationwide.

About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) 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 putting technology and expertise to work where it can do the most good for people and the planet. Dell acts to strengthen communities, preserve the environment, engage a diverse and inclusive workforce, and ensure supply chain responsibility. Dell team members volunteered more than 700,000 hours of their time in FY14, Powering the Possible in the communities in which they live and work. Learn more at www.dell.com/poweringthepossible.

About Girl Scouts of the USA
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer or reconnect with, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-GSUSA-4-U (212-852-8000) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

SOURCE Girl Scouts of the USA