Game On! will challenge young people to leverage gaming technology to increase outdoor activity.
Outdoor Nation, a national initiative that reconnects youth and Millennials to the outdoors, and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which represents the U.S. video game industry, launched Game On: Challenge Grants to connect young people to the outdoors through entertainment technology. This pilot program will invest in youth-inspired projects that leverage entertainment gaming technologies to get a new generation outdoors, active and engaged in conservation challenges.
“For many years, technology was considered a contributor to Americans disconnect to the natural world – until recently. Today, technology is seen as a potential pathway to increasing or enhancing outdoor experiences,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, the organization that started the Outdoor Nation movement. “We are excited to partner with ESA and conservation communities to support innovative youth-led projects and initiatives that get young people outside and active.”
Grants of $5,000 will be awarded to the top four individuals or teams that either create a new app or mobile game or promote an existing game to inspire youth to get outdoors. Proposals must be submitted by individuals ages 18 to 28 or teams with a project leader who is in that age range. Winning projects will be selected by a high profile advisory council. To apply, visit www.outdoornation.org/gameon and submit your proposal by April 15, 2013.
