As an entry for the XPRIZE global learning competition and also for Makeosity’s pilot of a new concept for online learning, one guy and four gals, from The Bronx High School of Science built a game to teach other young people CAD. In four weeks, these five teens, made a stunning 3D game with software tools that included Autodesk’s Fusion 360 and Maya and created a game on the Unity platform that takes players through a rescue and build mission in an abandoned post-apocalyptic factory.  They teens named their team, JAVAK, a letter for each of the first initials in their names (Jenny, Arun, Violet, Ashley and Kiana).

Much is written in the news about the lack of diversity in STEAM fields and there are initiatives by the White House to address the issue; but, it’s not for lack of talent that minorities are not entering high tech fields in greater numbers. The teens kept a blog as a chronicle of their work, fun, and learning and it is a fascinating window into what young people can achieve when given the opportunity. Jenny, Arun, Violet, Ashley and Kiana graduated from high school and went on to Stanford, Cal Poly, and MIT and are continuing to blaze new frontiers in the STEAM world.  Each summer, Makeosity continues to invite new high school students to bring their ideas, creativity and energy to the world.  Some contributed to the development of engineering curriculum that is in New York City schools today.