Game On, an innovative custom curriculum from Urban Arts to teach Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) through Game Design, has recently been endorsed by the College Board. As the only endorsed curriculum powered by Unity’s world-leading platform of tools, Game On teaches computer science through the art and technology of game development, informing a pathway to college and career through STEM.

Unity’s platform of tools lets students create immersive and interactive real-time 3D games, apps and experiences across multiple platforms. Unity is a long-term partner to Urban Arts, a national nonprofit generating a diverse talent pipeline for students from low-income communities. “We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to create their own future through equal access to education” said Jessica Lindl, VP, Social Impact at Unity. “It’s an honor to be a partner with Urban Arts, and by donating our resources, the endorsed Game On curriculum can empower more students with essential knowledge and skills for tomorrow’s job market.” 

Urban Arts teaches STEM and STEAM through digital game design, a novel approach that boosts persistence in the computer sciences, produces creatively confident and technically expert youth, and ensures a more equitable future economy. 100% of Urban Arts’ advanced students matriculate to college. They’ve earned $22M in scholarships since 2017. Further, Urban Arts connects their alumni to mentorships and internships at leading media and tech companies, generating a new diverse talent pipeline and real-time economic mobility.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in computer and information technology are projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Still, women and people of color are grossly underrepresented in the creative tech workforce and beyond across nearly all industries. “Securing this endorsement from the College Board will help us reach our goal of bringing Game On to more underrepresented students so they can build STEM identities and consider careers in tech,” shares Philip Courtney, CEO at Urban Arts.

“Game On was developed by working closely with teachers, students, and game developers to create a fun, rigorous, and culturally-responsive computer science curriculum—one that’s a game-changer for schools,” says Amy Patterson, Chief Program Officer at Urban Arts. “We’re thrilled that students and schools nationwide can benefit through the College Board endorsement.”

College Board endorsements indicate a provider’s curriculum fully covers exam requirements and its professional development is officially recognized for preparing teachers to teach AP CSP. Through a blended professional learning model, Game On teachers are also supported in teaching AP CSP through this engaging evidence-based curriculum. “Game On empowers the creative and logical to perform at high levels,” explains Gary Andersen, a high school teacher from Kannapolis, NC.

The program allows students to shape and change the world around them through dynamic games, complete with original art, music, and storytelling elements. While developing their own video games, students gain the knowledge and skills required to pass the AP CSP exam.

“The Urban Arts team and their expertly developed resources have made my job significantly easier, helping me deliver rigorous, engaging Computer Science instruction to students of all levels and backgrounds. Not sure how I’d do it without their support,” says Queens high school teacher Steven Velez.

Game On was developed with a transformational $4M Education, Innovation and Research grant (EIR) from the U.S. Department of Education. Annually, the USDOE receives hundreds of applications and only a fraction of these get funded. “I love how Urban Arts is leveraging EIR funding to test how game design can be used to expand access to and participation in quality computer science education for all students,” shares Dr. Sonji Jones-Manson, Management and Program Analyst, US DOE.

Increasing student access to computer science education through programs like Game On remains an equity imperative for the nonprofit. Through the grant, Game On is independently evaluated by WestEd and distributed freely to eligible schools nationwide.

For more information or to work with Urban Arts, please visit www.urbanarts.org or email partner@urbanarts.org.

For more information, please contact:
Jen Walter, Director of Marketing and Communications, Urban Arts, jen@urbanarts.org
Access to students, teachers, Urban Arts leadership, partners available.

THEMES / Why now?
Computer Science for All / Expensive, critical, and increasingly state-mandated. Who gets served?
Serving and supporting public school teachers / Especially as retention craters.
Education access and opportunity / Engaging those who self-select out first, especially in the post-COVID lag.
DEI / Especially in the wake of the affirmative action collapse.
Video games in the classroom / Video games generate $300B a year. Who gets to be part of that economy?
Diversity in Tech / Decades of talk, and yet employment and leadership remain overwhelmingly white and male.
Tech Equity / Level the digital playing field.
Gaming Industry / What do creators of color make given the training and the tools?