SEATTLE - (February 26, 2007) - The comprehensive education necessary for today's high school graduate to succeed in college and the workforce goes beyond the core subjects available in school. Research shows that schools across the country are not yet equipped to offer the technology education students need to compete at the forefront of an ever expanding digital age. According to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills - an organization committed to promoting a public education system that incorporates skills relevant to the technology age - for today's student to excel they need a mix of skills in computer and networking technologies, audio, video, and multimedia technologies.
Bridging the gap between the technology skills taught in schools and the technology skills needed for the 21st century and beyond is Seattle-based Giant Campus, the national leader in technology training for youth. In fact, an independent research study (conducted by Dr. Michelle O'Brien Palmer) of Giant Campus' teaching methods and curriculum showed up to a 90% increase in standardized test scores for students.
"Today's youth are facing enormous challenges as they prepare for an ever-changing future. Information overload, time-compressed days, and increasing academic and career competition are hitting kids earlier in their development," said Pete Findley, CEO of Giant Campus. "It's even estimated that the jobs available 10 years from now don't exist today. So how do we prepare our kids under these circumstances? At Giant Campus, we feel that teaching youth the skills that can transform them from passive users of gadgets to those able to manipulate technology to meet their needs, gives them an advantage. In fact, we've found that in the process, kids are becoming better critical thinkers and better problem solvers. They are also improving their communication and team working skills along the way."
In an ongoing effort to educate youth on the latest technologies, Giant Campus has developed three key programs for 2007:
* Cybercamps - Now in its 11th season, Cybercamps is the oldest and largest nationwide summer computer and technology camp in the US, offering the coolest technology courses for kids ages 7-18. Held at more than 50 university campuses across the county, Cybercamps offers the broadest and most sophisticated array of computer and technology courses including Game Design, 3D Game Artistry, Web Design, Digital Photography, Flash Animation, Computer Programming, Java Scripting, Robotics, and music and video editing - just to name a few. For locations and details, visit www.cybercamps.com.
* livewire at Walt Disney World(r) - Giant Campus was approached by Disney and invited to create an ultimate, behind-the-scenes summer program for teens at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. The week-long camp is targeted to teens ages 14-18 who are looking for a one-of-a-kind summer program experience. livewire includes a behind-the-scenes look at the technology of Disney attractions including the Haunted Mansion and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; a VIP tour of the IDEAS Studio to learn about some of the most advanced production equipment used to create videos, sounds and smells; exclusive use of the livewire lab in Epcot to build Web sites, make custom videos, and mash music; an opportunity to design a roller coaster, plus a crash course in how physics, G-forces, speed, velocity, and kinetic energy affect the ride; access to every attraction Disney World has to offer; and a week's stay at Disney's All-Star Music Resort. Offered for three weeks only - July 15-21, July 22-28, and July 29-August 4, 2007. For details, visit www.livewiresummer.com.
* Weekend Gamerz - New for summer 2007, Weekend Gamerz is an action-packed weekend of seriously fun video game playing. Offered at 36 college and university locations across the country, teens ages 13-17 will play their "vids" (video games) in the company of friends. Games include Warcraft 3(tm), Half-Life 2(tm), Rise of Nations(tm), Age of Mythology(tm), and Jedi Knights(tm), as well as several not-yet-released top-rated games of 2007. Teens can also bring their own games or play online games such as Guild Wars(tm), Factions(tm), Nightfall(tm), Steam(tm), World of Warcraft(tm), Halo(tm), and Medal of Honor(tm). In addition, for those who prefer something a little less wired, there are plenty of board and card games available for un-plugged entertainment. Weekend Gamerz also includes Expert Strategy Sessions with game experts who guide players through game play and share tips and tactics. Participants will learn to win and lose with grace, celebrate the success of team members, and teach new gaming skills to peers - all part of the social development aspect of Weekend Gamerz that sets it apart from typical computer game play. For locations and details, visit www.weekendgamerz.com.
About Giant Campus
Giant Campus is a provider of technology training, consulting, and staffing services to the youth and education markets; the U.S. Armed Forces, their families and DoD Civilians; the federal government; and private sector corporations. It is the parent company of Cybercamps - a national summer technology camp - which began in 1997 with 125 campers. Today, more than 40,000 campers have participated in Cybercamps at one of their more than 50 college/university campus locations nationwide. Giant Campus also holds multi-year contracts with military installations to provide both live and online computer courses to adults and youth within their communities. For more information, visit www.giantcampus.com.