DigiPen Institute of Technology K-12 Outreach Programs Games

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DigiPen Institute of TechnologyK-12 Outreach
ProgramsGames Animation as a Learning Vehicle
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About.Mii?

• Raymond Yan
• Senior Executive Vice President
• raymond.yan_at_digipen.edu
• Oversee DigiPen operations
• Responsible for K-12 outreach
• Former VP of Art Production for Nintendo
  Software Technology

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Agenda

• What is DigiPen Institute of Technology?
• DigiPen impact
• Challenges for DigiPen
• DigiPens outreach effort
• Policy consideration

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About DigiPen Institute of Technology

• Originally established in Vancouver, Canada in
  1988.
• Located in Redmond since 1998.
• Offers graduate and undergraduate degree
  programs for those with serious interest in a
  career in the video game industry.
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Production Animation
• Game Design
• Fall 2009 Opened Singapore campus.
• Fall 2010 - Partnering to teach in Korea.

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About DigiPen Institute of Technology

• Over 900 matriculated students
• Approximately 700 science students, 220 art
  students
• Primarily male (over 90)
• Ethnic breakdown
• 57 White
• 4 Hispanic
• 2 Black
• 7 Asian
• 1 American Indian
• 29 Undeclared
• Approximately 65 of students from out of state.

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Impact of DigiPen on Industry

• Industry cannot grow without manpower.
• DigiPen widely recognized by game and animation
  industry as a excellent source of qualified
  personnel.
• Over 65 of students from out of state, with a
  large majority choosing to stay upon graduation.

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DigiPen Influence
I am personally aware of the skill set you
offer your students and the impressive jobs they
fill upon graduation We are keenly aware of the
role DigiPen plays as a magnet for business in
your industry your presence attracts video
gaming and associated businesses. Ellen
Miller-Wolfe Economic Development Manager City of
Kirkland, Washington
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DigiPen Influence
The (game) industry grew that way for several
reasons, perhaps the biggest being three key
pillars of software, technology and computer
science education Nintendo, Microsoft and the
DigiPen Institute of Technology.   the
institute, concentrated on graduating tomorrows
game developers, is considered by many to be the
worlds premier game college.   Aaron
Corvin Senior Writer, Washington CEO Magazine
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Rocket Science?

• Todays games are extremely sophisticated pieces
  of software featuring
• Incredible 3D environments and characters
• Real physics models
• Advanced artificial intelligence
• Networking capability
• Full surround sound technology
• Increased need for highly skilled created and
  technical personnel.

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The Challenge

• DigiPens science degrees require students to
  have strong math skills.
• DigiPens art programs require students to have
  basic drawing skills.
• Tremendous level of interest in DigiPens
  programs however, MANY high school graduates do
  not meet the minimum standards.

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ProjectFUN Initiative, Creating A Pipeline

• DigiPen has been running outreach programs at
  K-12 level to motivate students to pursue
  advanced study in math, science and art by
  leveraging game development as a learning
  vehicle.
• ProjectFUN programs
• Middle/HS Workshops
• DigiPen Technology Academies
• Distance Learning Program

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ProjectFUN Workshops

• 30-90 hour introductory workshops
• Game design
• Game programming
• Animation
• Robotics
• Targeted at students aged 10-18.
• Workshops offered during the summer both at
  DigiPen and at number of locations in Washington
  abroad.

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ProjectFUN Technology Academies

• Preparatory programs (up to 360 hours) targeted
  at grade 11 12 students interested in more
  serious study in
• Computer science
• Animation production
• Production design development
• Media communications
• Offered via the Skills Centers
• Students earn high school credit.

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ProjectFUN Online

• Utilizing synchronous delivery technology,
  DigiPen offers a variety of its programs to
  students who are unable to attend in person
• Workshops
• Technology Academies
• Excellent opportunity for students in outlying
  areas to participate in this type of specialized
  program.

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ProjectFUN Initiative Outcomes

• Students have competed in SkillsUSA competitions
  as well as successfully completing the Advanced
  Placement Computer Science
• Majority of students who participate in programs
  go on to pursue post-secondary education
  opportunities.
• Significant number of matriculated students at
  DigiPen were first introduced to the field via
  the ProjectFUN programs.
• Programs have been successful in providing
  underserved students with opportunity to
  experience CTE.

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ProjectFUN Initiative Outcomes

• Students frequently come into the DigiPen
  programs without a clear idea of why they are
  required to take math, science and art, and what
  benefit these subjects will be to them in their
  life.
• After very little time, students experience
  the relevance of math, science and art, which
  compels many of them to sign up for higher level
  courses. 
• John Aultman
• Asst. Superintendent for Career and College
• OSPI

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Policy Considerations

• Continued funding support for CTE programs in
  Washington, including ones offered at Washington
  Skill Centers.
• Consideration of more support for CTE programs at
  the middle school level.

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Questions?