SoCal Community Development Corporation’s Video Game Design Lab is an immersive, hands-on AI-STEM experience where middle school and early high school students (grades 6–10) design and build their own playable video game—in just 7 hours. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of game design, coding logic, and digital storytelling, while also exploring how AI tools and creative technologies are shaping the future of gaming and innovation. Guided by experienced instructors, participants move from concept to creation—developing characters, building game mechanics, and testing their final product. By the end of the day, each student walks away with: 🎯 A fully playable video game they created 💡 Foundational coding and design skills 🚀 Exposure to AI and future tech careers 🧠 Increased confidence in problem-solving and creativity This high-energy lab is designed to spark curiosity, build technical skills, and inspire the next generation of innovators—especially students from communities with limited access to STEM opportunities. 📍 Who Should Attend Middle school students (Grades 6–8) Early high school students (Grades 9–10) Beginners welcome—no prior coding experience required 🌟 Why It Matters At SoCal CDC, we believe access to technology is access to opportunity. The Video Game Design Lab equips students with the tools, mindset, and inspiration to explore pathways in AI, STEM, and entrepreneurship—all through the power of play. If you want, I can also: ✅ Turn this into a flyer (Canva-ready) ✅ Add pricing / registration language ✅ Align it to a grant narrative or CRA framing Just say the word 👍