Girl's Game Jam

Over the course of 4 days, at least 20-30 girls will meet online (through Zoom) to learn how to build and create games that have a social impact. On the first day, they will be exposed to the idea that games can be designed to have a social impact. We will teach the girls how to use TyranoBuilder (visual novel software), and then give them time to create an app geared towards a social cause. Though teams won't be implemented, the girls are encouraged to collaborate and problem-solve when working on their projects!

On Saturday’s (Oct 24 and Oct 31), the girls will spend most of their time working on building and developing their games. Throughout the day there will be short breaks, video presentations on careers in tech (highlighting women in tech), and short discussions on women in tech.

On Saturday (Nov 7th), girls will be finishing up their projects and learn how to submit their projects to be judged.

On Saturday (Nov 14th), there will be a game showcase, where each individual will present their games. Parents are encouraged to attend during this time (10:00AM CDT) Judges will vote on who will get 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. All participants will be presented with a certificate/award for completing the program.

It's going to be an amazing weekend and we hope that you will join us! *No coding experience necessary. Spaces are limited to 30 middle/highschool girls so register today!

*However, attendees must have laptops of their own for this event. Everything else will be provided.

Jayda Murray, a homeschool junior in high school is the lead instructor and organizer for the Girls Game Jam 2020. In 2019, she was awarded a grant from the National Center for Women in Information & Technology NCWIT to instruct young girls in technology. At the time, she lived in Connecticut but was able to transfer the program to Memphis when she moved in Aug 2019. Recently, with the help of Code Crew, Jayda and her sister Anaya won the 2019, Congressional App Challenge for District 9. Click here to see the press release. Their app was a visual novel with a social focus and it was then that they realized that they wanted to teach other girls this same skill. As a 2020 NCWIT National winner you can read Jayda's entire bio here.

Anaya Murray, is homeschooled and in the 9th grade. She is co-lead instructor and organizer with her sister Jayda for the Girls Jam 2020. Anaya is a talented actor and singer and within the last few years has excelled in the area of technology. They both hope to share all of their knowledge with the girls for Game Jam.

This is event could not happen without the financial and logistical support from individuals and corporations. Here are the following Sponsors and Mentors who have made Game Jam 2020 possible:

• National Center for Women in Information & Technology NCWIT

• Code Crew https://www.code-crew.org/

• Share Hope Haiti

• SheroHub LLC

Who: Middle and High and school girls

What: 3 Day Girls Game Jam

When: Oct 24 (6pm-7:30pm), Oct 31 (10am-11:30pm), Nov 1 (12:30pm-5:30pm) and Nov 8 (5:30pm-6:30pm)

Where: Zoom

Do I have to attend each day? Yes.

How do I register as a participant? Click Here.

Do I need to fill out the pre-survey for registration? Yes, your registration will be incomplete without the pre-survey. Please make sure to fill it out so that your space is not given to someone else.

Can I bring my brother? This event is only for girls. But feel free to check out the amazing co-ed Code Crew classes and camps!

Why is this event only for girls? Jayda was awarded a grant from NCWIT whose goals and purposes are to raise up and assist in developing a pipeline of women in technology. Currently this field is dominated by men and it is the hope of NCWIT that providing events like, Girls Game Jam, will serve to inspire young girls to consider the field of technology.

Can I invite other girls from my school, church, or community to attend? Yes, please! We would love for you to help us spread the word. Print off the flier, share it on social media.

What software will we be using? Tyranobuilder

Do I need coding experience? No coding experience is necessary.

Do I need to prepare? No, just come with the mind to learn and meet other awesome girls!

Will parents be able to attend the showcase on Sunday? Yes, please arrive online at 3:10pm so that you do not miss the game presentations and awards.

Will I be creating a game by myself? Yes. You will be creating the game yourself, but please feel free to brainstorm and collect ideas and help from the other girls in the program!

Will the games be judged? Yes. On Sunday, there will be a group of judges who will determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams?

What will the judges be looking for? Click here to see the criteria.

If I have additional questions, who do I contact? You can reach out to Jayda Murray at jaydalove2012@gmail.com or text: 850-728-2709

Please share with your community!