West Hempstead Secondary School is proud to participate in the Games for Change (G4C) Student Challenge, an international initiative that empowers students to design games that address real-world issues.
Founded in 2004 by Benjamin Stokes, Suzanne Seggerman, and Barry Joseph, Games for Change is a nonprofit organization that uses digital games and immersive media to drive social impact. What began as an annual festival has grown into major educational programs such as G4C Learn and the G4C Student Challenge. Over the past two decades, the organization has partnered with global leaders including the United Nations and Hasbro to tackle issues ranging from poverty to climate change. In 2024, Games for Change celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Bringing Game Design to WHSS
Games for Change encourages students to design and build games that educate players about important social themes. Students can create games using web-based platforms such as Scratch. At West Hempstead Secondary School, students use Hatch — the Kid OYO version of Scratch — to bring their ideas to life. This year’s G4C themes include “Outgrow Hunger,” “Own the Road,” and “All in for Nature: Reefs & Rainforests.”
A History of Success
In 2015, secondary school technology teacher Ms. Lori Stahl-Van Brackle became involved in the G4C Student Challenge. That same year, her students earned second place for Best Game Design. In the years that followed, her students continued to place in the competition as the challenge expanded from a local and regional initiative to a national and ultimately international program.
Since arriving at West Hempstead Secondary School in 2022, Ms. Stahl-Van Brackle has continued to grow the school’s involvement. She has participated in Game Design professional development and has led several mini hack-a-thons at the secondary school, all centered around digital game design.
Expanding into Physical Game Design
When Ms. Stahl-Van Brackle learned about the opportunity to apply for a Game Jam grant, she was excited to expand beyond digital platforms. For years, she has envisioned hosting a tabletop board game design event where students create physical games that inspire change.
West Hempstead’s Game Jam was held on Feb. 13. A total of 43 students participated, collaborating to create 11 original board games. Students are now refining and further developing their games over the winter break.
This year’s Game Jam focused on the theme “Own the Road.” The theme holds special significance for the school community. In 2022, secondary school student Tomas Molina was tragically killed in a car accident. In his memory, the school hopes to guide students in designing games that promote road safety awareness and help make the community safer.
Through creativity, innovation, and compassion, West Hempstead Secondary School students will continue using game design as a powerful tool to educate, inspire, and create meaningful change.
