I want to create a non-profit that provides after school programs for kids to create and design video games, while also participating in contests where they can win scholarship money for college.

It seems like a smart idea, to me, but I’m just not sure of how to do it.

This is truth.  I have had this idea, in the back of my mind, that there must be a way to encourage a pro-creation, perhaps less consumerism-y attitudes in kids.  I know of so many people – yes, young people! – who are so driven to be hand-fed their entertainment, every day.  They don’t understand the value in creating, in crafting.  They hyperdigest games and look blankly at the screen when there is nothing left.

I want to offer an alternative.  I want to gear kids towards creating and solving, rather than having disks/cartridges that solve those problems for them.

Ideally, this would be a non-profit.  I would want the money coming in to go towards scholarships that enable kids with passion to create – and do so smartly!  – to go on to higher education with less stress on their parents.

Do I seem like an idealist?  I think this can be done, and can be effective.  Schools seem to be in dire need of more after-school programs around here, and in many other places.

Some bullet points on what I would probably need:

• Smart tools for creating simple games from scratch (think WarioWare DIY and Construct)
• Those who are passionate about teaching, and do it well, to help design curriculum and activities
• Math, art, computer science whizkids to help me make meaningful lessons in design
• I would love to incorporate teaching algorithms into the design curriculum… mmm.
• NON-PROFIT EDUCATION
• FUNDING EDUCATION (these are in CAPS because they are the most intimidating!)

If you have any tips, please pass them my way.