As technology has become an integral part of people’s daily lives around the world, we’re seeing a growing demand to teach youth not only how to use technology, but also how to create technology to help them become the innovators and drivers of growth and opportunity in their communities.
This summer, Microsoft at Oakbrook Center and Woodfield Mall are offering free YouthSpark summer camps that keep students’ minds working without giving up their summer fun! Kids will learn how to code while having fun by building their own video games. Budding entrepreneurs can also develop, package and pitch their own business ideas for feedback from local experts in the “Start Your Own Business” camp.
Chicagoland Microsoft Stores will offer three new camps this year, including:
- Kodu Makerspace – Kids age 8 to 11 can create rich and exciting games with Kodu Game Lab in this beginner-level camp. Kids learn coding fundamentals and how to build games in a fun, hands-on environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.
- Learn to Code Flatverse – Recommended for kids 12 and older, students can build a Flatverse game using TouchDevelop in this intermediate-level camp. Kids learn coding fundamentals, then get hands-on instruction on how to read and write basic code themselves.
- Start Your Own Business – Offers entrepreneurial kids the knowledge, tools and support to make their business idea a reality. Kids will learn key concepts from testing their product or idea to protecting it, and receive training on how to create their own business pitch. All graduates will leave with a basic business plan and polished pitch, and the opportunity to present their idea to local entrepreneurs. This camp is for students 13 and older.
Registration for these classes just opened and they fill up fast. Traveling this summer? Not a problem! Microsoft has stores across the country that will offer the same classes. Get more details on each camp and register at microsoftstore.com/summercamps or microsoftstore.com/locations.