Video games no longer only entertain us. Innovative nonprofits like Games for Change now use video games to create social change. The New York City-based organization was founded in 2004 by Asi Burak, a former Israeli Defense Forces captain. Burak and his small team created the video game PeaceMaker in 2005, which simulates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Players make decisions based on real-life events that effect the social, political, and military dynamics for both countries. Helping people empathize with both viewpoints was Burak’s motivation to create PeaceMaker. Continue reading
Month: April 2014
Does Parental Involvement = Student Achievement?
A recent New York Times op-ed titled “Parental Involvement Is Overrated” challenges conventional wisdom that increased parent engagement improves student academic achievement. Authors Keith Robinson and Angel L. Harris argue some parent involvement can even limit students academically. Robinson and Harris believe parents must do three things to positively impact their child’s academic success. Continue reading
Get2Know: Alejandro Gac-Artigas – Founder and CEO of Springboard Collaborative
A new generation of leaders has emerged to produce tangible impact across Philadelphia. This new energy is expanding economic, health, education and cultural opportunity, positioning Philadelphia as a must-visit destination and a place residents are proud to call home. Fairmount met with Alejandro Gac-Artigas, the 25-year-old founder of Springboard Collaborative (@SpringboardPHL) in the second installment of Get2Know. This segment reveals the personal side of young change agents impacting Greater Philadelphia and beyond.
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