In response to the demand by local youth who are extremely interested in games and game design, GDIAC and Cornell's SciCentr have partnered with local organizations to form the GDIAC Intern Program. This program brings local youth into CIS400 to participate on various student teams. Having one or more apprentices is strictly voluntary. In the past, our interns have helped with art, character design, music, game balancing and more. Sometimes interns simply sit in on class meetings, learning what college is like. Having such an experience helps motivate students to learn technical material.
Our interns are usually about 13+ years-old and come from the following two groups:
Near the beginning of each semester (August for Fall, January for Spring), SciCentr will solicit applications from applicants. E-mail Cathy Norton for the application forms and more information. Because CIS400 groups shuffle members and ideas for about 2 weeks, we need to wait before matching applicants to group volunteers. Given the uncertainty, we cannot know how many interns we can accept each semester.
During the second week of classes, we will ask CIS400 groups for volunteers. Ideally, each group can sponsor one or more youth, perhaps with joint mentors. By mentoring you engage in a fundamental, special form of learning called Service Learning, described below. As described above, apprentices can be extremely helpful with your projects.
Service Learning involves students helping out other students in the community. Although CIS400 does not officially belong to Cornell's Public Service Center, we mirror its philosophies and purpose. Besides developing interpersonal skills and building resume material, service learning is excellent opportunity to help people. Given the fascination with games, our program provides an excellent opportunity for mentorship. See also the National Youth Leadership Council website for more information about service learning.
GDIAC is proud to support research and projects that examine the ways that girls and women play and create games. We work closely with SciCentr and CIS Outreach program in an effort to broaden the appeal of games and jobs in the industry.
