"Imagine a world in which every single person on the planet is given free access to the sum of all human knowledge." -Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikipedia and Wikimedia Foundation
"Imagine a world in which every single person on the planet is given the knowledge to: 1) create quality media, 2) contribute creatively and positively to the sum of media on the net, and 3) advance human knowledge." -Idit Harel Caperton, Founder of the World Wide Workshop Foundation
Since 2009, the World Wide Workshop has partnered with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to empower youth and their communities with the digital and civic literacies crucial to real-world community participation and engagement. The partnership began in West Virginia, with a focus on advancing civics and news literacy through game-design, and in 2011, expanded with the launch of a new Globaloria network across the Silicon Valley region. Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged.
In 2011, Google provided a grant to support the Globaloria social learning network in San Jose/Silicon Valley in order to cultivate regional innovation and a broad array of STEM knowledge and digital skills among local youth in the Valley. By teaching youth game design and programming in schools and community centers, this initiative helps ease Silicon Valley's talent crunch. This is part of over $100M in charitable giving to use Google's strengths in building products and advocate policies addressing global challenges.
Benedum provided the seed funding for Globaloria in West Virginia in 2007, and has continually renewed funding to support the ongoing expansion and excellence of the program. Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is an independent foundation established in 1944 by Michael and Sarah Benedum, natives respectively of Bridgeport and Blacksville, West Virginia. They named the Foundation in memory of their only child, Claude Worthington Benedum, who died in 1918 at age 20. The Benedums expressed the wish that grantmaking be focused in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania, their native and adopted homes.
In May 2009, the AMD Foundation partnered with the World Wide Workshop Foundation to implement a customized Globaloria network in selected schools and after-school programs in cities where AMD operates. The first pilot is in partnership with Southwest Key Programs at The East Austin College Prep Academy (EACPA) in Austin, Texas. In June 2008, the AMD Foundation launched Changing the Game to help youth harness the power of digital games with social content, while learning critical education and life skills. Globaloria-AMD provides a programmatic turnkey solution that facilitates the AMD Foundation’s mission to transform education.
In July 2011, the World Wide Workshop partnered with Florida’s Hillsborough County Public Schools to leverage Globaloria to further advance STEM learning and prepare students for success in a highly-competitive and global marketplace. Hillsborough County is the 8th largest school district in the nation with 191,000 students, and is a consistent leader in the nation in student and educator achievement and education reform.
On March 9th, 2009, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), under the leadership of Superintendant of Schools, Dr. Steven L. Paine, became a partner and funder of Globaloria in WV. Globaloria helps further the Department’s mission to systematically transform the WV public school system to provide all West Virginia children the skills to excel in a fiercely-competitive global world. The vision is for ownership over Globaloria WV to transfer to WVDE at the end of the five-year pilot period in 2012. We are well on our way to achieving this goal.
In March 2007, the West Virginia Office of the Governor was seeking an innovative program to help WV students learn 21st-century skills and game production. They connected with the World Wide Workshop and brought Globaloria to West Virginia to fulfill this vision by using the Globaloria network for learning game making. The Governor's Office provided initial seed funding to plan and recruit other funders, and train the group of pilot educators. First Lady Gayle Manchin co-chairs the Globaloria-WV Advisory Board, and provides invaluable support and strategic advice to this innovative project.
In March 2011, Frontier Communications partnered with the World Wide Workshop to expand the deployment of the Globaloria network throughout West Virginia. The aim is to connect schools in rural communities to broadband learning and empower youth with the digital literacies in civics and STEM and 21st-century skills needed for success. Frontier Communications, with about 14,800 employees nationally, provides High-Speed Internet, wireless Internet data access, data security solutions and advanced business communications for medium and large businesses in 27 states. Frontier is committed to networked learning for public education in rural communities.
In October 2010, the ESA Foundation partnered with the World Wide Workshop Foundation to support scaling the integration of Globaloria in schools across West Virginia, pledging to support the program in 2011. Their support also facilitates the expansion of the annual Globaloria STEM Game Design Competition, and the launch of the Globaloria Inspiration Awards for outstanding schools and counties. The ESA Foundation was created by the American entertainment software industry to provide opportunities that can make a difference in the lives of America’s youth. The Foundation is fully supported by proceeds from their limited edition charity game pack’s sales and "Nite to Unite for Kids," its annual fund-raiser.
In 2011, Adobe partnered with the World Wide Workshop to help provide youth with access to the tools and opportunities needed for success in today's digital world. Adobe supports the efforts of the World Wide Workshop through donations of Adobe® Flash® Professional CS5.5, used exclusively by the program to build games; underwriting software costs; and raising awareness about the Globaloria Social Network for game design. Beyond its work with the World Wide Workshop, Adobe offers teachers and administrators integrated software, curriculums, and instructional resources as well as certification options and professional development tools designed to promote digital literacy and teach essential career skills.
In January 2012, Konami Digital Entertainment partnered with the World Wide Workshop to leverage the power of gaming for learning and teaching, and to promote innovative STEM education through the Globaloria Learning Network. Konami is raising awareness about Globaloria and inspires student game-makers through donations of award-winning games, including DanceDanceRevolution. Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties. Konami's titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, DanceDanceRevolution and Castlevania, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. KONAMI CORPORATION is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in the United States and Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany. KONAMI CORPORATION is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami can be found at www.konami.com.
In June 2011, the World Wide Workshop partnered with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation to expand the Globaloria network across the Silicon Valley region with the aim of empowering the community as a whole (young people, their parents and community leaders) to be more informed and engaged. Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) focuses on raising student performance in the critical areas of math and science across all 33 Santa Clara County school districts. Their goal is to be the leading advocate for public education in the region. They are known for their clear focus on achieving results, partnering, and emphasizing creativity and innovation. Beyond serving students, teachers, and administrators, SVEF provides value to the larger community by making investing in education easy.
In 2009, the World Wide Workshop partnered with Southwest Key Programs to implement the Globaloria-AMD pilot in Austin, Texas, at their newly-opened charter school, The East Austin College Prep Academy. Southwest Key Programs is a national nonprofit organization providing transformative education, innovative safe shelters and alternatives to incarceration for over 6,000 youth each day, while creating opportunities for their families to become self-sufficient.
In August 2011, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley (BGCSV) partnered with the Workshop to bring Globaloria to at-risk youth across Silicon Valley. Launched initially with two clubs, the partnership is poised to expand to all clubs servicing youth 12 and over to empower them with the skills and opportunities to grow into successful adults. By providing access to innovative programs, inspiring leaders and an enlightened perspective on life, BGCSV has helped children in the Santa Clara valley overcome boundaries and achieve their dreams for over 65 years. BGCSV is an affiliate member of the Boys & Girls Club of America, and currently serves over 3,000 members, ages 6 to 18, at 11 facilities throughout the San Jose area.
In August 2011, the Oak Grove School District (OGSD) partnered with the World Wide Workshop to bring Globaloria to students and educators in San Jose/Silicon Valley. OGSD has 16 elementary and three intermediate schools, serving a population of 11,500 students. The goal of the partnership is to model blended, STEM learning with Globaloria that can be expanded throughout the district and the Silicon Valley region.
Beginning in January 2012, the World Wide Workshop and National STEM Video Game Challenge are working together to help motivate and engage students in STEM learning, 21st Century Literacy Skills, and Systems Thinking. Through outreach, reciprocal judging, and publication of student winners, the two organizations will significantly expand their reach and help influence the national education discussion. Inspired by the "Educate to Innovate Campaign," President Obama's initiative to promote a renewed focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, the National STEM Video Game Challenge is a multi-year competition whose goal is to motivate interest in STEM learning among America's youth by tapping into students' natural passion for playing and making video games.
In the fall of 2009, the World Wide Workshop partnered with iCivics to empower young people and educators with information, skills and awareness needed to ensure deeper civics learning and encourage greater civics awareness. This is particularly critical as Globaloria participants learn to be digital media producers making informed choices to take civic action in the 21st century. iCivics is a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy. iCivics is the vision of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who is concerned that students are not getting the information and tools they need for civic participation, and that civics teachers need better materials and support.
BrainPOP® is proud to serve as a 2011 Workshop sponsor, supporting students and educators as they create STEM-themed online games. Winners of the Globaloria game design competitions will receive subscriptions to BrainPOP so they can continue cultivating vital STEM skills. Additionally, BrainPOP will highlight the winning student-made games within GameUp, its new collection of top online game titles. BrainPOP is the award-winning creator of animated, curricular content that engages students, supports teachers, and bolsters achievement in classrooms, at home, and on mobile devices.
In October 2011, the World Wide Workshop partnered with THE LAMP to empower young people and educators with information, skills and awareness needed to be truly news- and media-literate. This is particularly critical for Globaloria as they learn to be digital media producers and civic agents in a media-rich world. THE LAMP (Learning About Multimedia Project) is a non-profit organization creating a grassroots movement to reform and improve media with the mission of building healthy relationships with all forms of media by communities. This is achieved through free media literacy workshops and public events for youth, parents and educators. The LAMP works in communities to build healthy relationships with all forms of media.
Since 2007, the West Virginia Center for Professional Development (CPD) has been our implementation partner for Globaloria West Virginia. The mission of CPD, one of five agencies under the direction of the Governor’s Department of Education and the Arts, is to advance the quality of teaching and management in the schools of West Virginia through (1) the implementation of statewide training, professional staff development, and technical assistance programs and practices to assure the highest quality in such teaching and management; and (2) the provision of technical and other assistance and support to regional and local education agencies in identifying and providing high quality professional staff development and training programs and implementing best practices to meet their locally identified needs.
In July 2011, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem (NJMH) and the World Wide Workshop teamed up to teach youth jazz and digital literacy through Globaloria. The program launched as a summer program for 13-19 year olds, and will expand to an afterschool program during the year. The museum was founded to make the rich history and experience of jazz accessible to all, and to ensure that the heart and soul of the music remain forever entwined with the Harlem community. NJMH offers a range of free concerts, exhibitions and educational programs, and is thrilled now to include the Globaloria-Jazz Workshops.
Verizon West Virginia became a supporter of the first Globaloria-WV pilot in January 2008, allowing us to add several new schools and expand our research partnerships with West Virginia University and Marshall University Graduate School of Education. In May 2008, Verizon renewed its support for 2008-09. Headquartered in Charleston, WV, it is part of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) - a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of nearly 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion. Across the Mountain State, Verizon partners with communities they serve and makes grants to nonprofit organizations who share passion for literacy, domestic violence prevention, and for improving people's lives through technology.
SEED has been a partner of the World Wide Workshop since 2004, including sponsoring Globaloria's "My Science Life" network. SEED staff and volunteers from around the world learned to create science sims and games in the MySLife Global Climate pilot, along with students and teachers from SEED schools in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Trinidad. Schlumberger Excellence in Educational Development (SEED), is a volunteer-based, non-profit education program focused on underserved communities where Schlumberger people live and work. SEED empowers employee-volunteers and educators-including teachers, parents and other mentors-to share their passion for learning and science with students aged 10-18. The SEED learning-while-doing (LWD) methodology draws on the technology and science expertise of our volunteers to engage students in global issues, such as water, energy and climate change.
Rethinkers piloted Globaloria's My Health Life network in New Orleans during the summer of 2008, as they developed proposals for reinventing cafeterias and security in New Orleans public schools. In early 2006, a group of community organizers, artists, architects, media experts and educators began organizing Rethink. Rethink is now a citywide youth organization with three adult staff members and a number of partner organizations, including the World Wide Workshop.
The 21st Century Foundation supports national and local programs that serve black America. They provided partial funding for the launch of Globaloria in New Orleans. In June 2008, the MyHLife.org network was launched with Rethink. Founded in 1971 by economist Robert S. Browne, 21CF began making grants in 1972. 21CF supports black community-based organizations in the United States committed to civil and human rights, economic empowerment and addressing the root causes of injustice. The Foundation is committed to supporting organizations claiming equity, equality and the integrity of all black people.
Cisco provided the seed funding for the development of the first Globaloria Network -- MyGLife -- in 2006, and sponsored the first MyGLife pilot group of 40 NET@ students in Israel. These students were Arab Israelis, Jewish Israelis and Russian immigrants who were working together from five cities across Israel to create games for social change. Cisco states: "We team with nonprofit and non-governmental agencies around the world to develop programs that improve access to basic human needs, education, and economic opportunities. Our support includes grants, networking technologies, and employee contributions of time, expertise, and financial resources."
Along with Cisco, NET@ was our implementation partner for the first Globaloria pilot in Israel in 2006. 40 NET@ students, including Arab Israelis, Jewish Israelis and Russian immigrants from five cities across Israel, participated in virtual teams to conceive games and help us test the MyGLife platform. The NET@ Program was established in 2003 as a unique community-social initiative by the Tapuah Non-Profit Organization, the Jewish Agency, Keren Hayesod and Cisco Systems. The program's objective is to change the lives of young people in the geographical and social periphery of Israel, making them into a dream team of the Israeli hi-tech world.
HBO Corporate Affairs/Corporate Giving provided a corporate contribution to support the MyGLife.org first pilot in the Middle East in Winter 2006-07. This grant was part of the HBO Documentary Films corporate giving program.
Since the Summer of 2004, Dr. Caperton, the foundation's President, has been recruited to consult her MIT colleague Nicholas Negroponte on his most recent innovation - the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child, a.k.a "$100 Laptop"). As a result, we developed the "Next Billion Learners" Program to focus on the development of creative learning software for low cost laptops, in order to support 1:1 computing worldwide. In early 2007, when the first XO beta prototype was produced and in the hands of children, the World Wide Workshop team was recruited to develop a creative learning software suite for kids. OLPC is a non-profit association founded by Negroponte and a team of MIT educators and technologists dedicated to educating children with the goal of eradicating poverty. In many ways, OLPC is based on the Constructionist learning principles expressed by the research work of MIT Professor Seymour Papert and Idit Harel Caperton and their MIT Media Lab colleagues. Negroponte strongly claims, "OLPC is not a technology project, nor is the XO a technology product: in any conventional sense of the word. It is providing a means to an end - that sees children in the most remote regions of the globe being given the opportunity to tap into their potential, to be exposed to a whole world of ideas, to learn and to contribute to a more productive and saner world community."
The Caperton Family and their Caperton Fund provided seed funding to the World Wide Workshop Foundation since its inception, and have been enthusiastic supporters of its Globaloria Program. The Caperton Fund is a small private fund established in 1986 by Gaston Caperton (two-terms WV Governor during 1989-1997). The fund is administered by the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF) and seeking to enrich lives in West Virginia through the provision of philanthropic and charitable services. Through TGKVF, the Caperton Fund invests in education technology innovation in West Virginia. It supports the novel approach of the Globaloria Program in engaging WV public-school educators and students in design-based teaching and learning.
The Caperton Family and their Caperton Fund provided seed funding to the World Wide Workshop Foundation since its inception, and have been enthusiastic supporters of its Globaloria Program. The Caperton Fund is a small private fund established in 1986 by Gaston Caperton (two-terms WV Governor during 1989-1997). The fund is administered by the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF) and seeking to enrich lives in West Virginia through the provision of philanthropic and charitable services. Through TGKVF, the Caperton Fund invests in education technology innovation in West Virginia. It supports the novel approach of the Globaloria Program in engaging WV public-school educators and students in design-based teaching and learning.