AMD providing educational tools to teach kids STEM skills through game design

AMD is helping to educate middle-schoolers in the crucial fields of science, technology, engineering and math by providing tools that will allow students to learn those skills by designing games, the company announced today.

The microprocessor manufacturer has partnered with Lambton-Kingsway Junior Middle School in Toronto, and is providing the school with a mobile lab containing HP ProBook laptops. AMD has also teamed up with E-Line Media, a publisher of educational games, to bring E-Line's Gamestar Mechanic to the students. Gamestar Mechanic is educational software that teaches young people how to make video games. E-Line will also provide a professional development workshop for teachers to help them learn how to use the software in classrooms.

"We believe that game design is a powerful medium for students to express their creativity and build valuable science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to help them succeed in school and in life," said Hanif Mawji, director of AMD's commercial business for North America. "This program provides an exciting, engaging way for students to gain skills that are in high demand."

According to Kelly Caddel, principal of Lambton-Kingsway Junior Middle School, the support from AMD and E-Line Media will allow the school to start an after-school club for students interested in game design. Caddel added, "The game design club will provide a unique outlet for students to learn about technology and maybe generate interest in future careers."

The program is an extension of AMD's education initiative, AMD Changing the Game, which teaches children STEM skills through video games.