Frequently Asked Questions

Our recruitment strategy prioritizes reaching students from communities with limited access to creative technology education through multiple channels.

For Youth Programs, we partner with schools in under resourced neighborhoods, collaborate with community centers and youth serving organizations, conduct targeted outreach at community events, receive referrals from teachers and counselors, use social media and digital outreach in target communities, and emphasize "no prerequisites required" messaging to reduce barriers.

For College Publishing, we conduct direct outreach to university game development programs, receive referrals from faculty, partner with student organizations, and maintain presence at student game showcases and events.

For Youth Programs, we use a rolling admission process with no academic prerequisites. Students apply through a simple form indicating their interest and commitment. Priority consideration is given to students from communities with limited access to STEAM education, but all interested students are accommodated based on available space. For oversubscribed programs, we use a lottery system while maintaining our commitment to serving historically underserved populations.

For College Publishing, student teams apply with their in progress game projects. Selection criteria include project viability, team commitment, learning potential, and alignment with AIGI's mission. We prioritize teams that include members historically underrepresented in STEAM fields and teams from institutions with limited production resources.

AIGI maintains quality through industry aligned curriculum co developed with working professionals. Qualified instructors have both educational and industry experience. Regular mentor involvement from active game developers provides real world perspective. Iterative feedback systems with multiple review points ensure quality. Pre and post assessments measure student learning objectively. Continuous improvement based on participant feedback keeps programs relevant. Portfolio quality outcomes demonstrate real skill development.

We measure success through multiple indicators.

Quantitative Metrics include student enrollment, attendance, and completion rates; pre and post surveys showing increased STEM/STEAM confidence; number of projects completed; follow up tracking of continued education and career progression; revenue generated from published games; and scholarship distribution.

Qualitative Measures include student portfolio quality, parent and guardian satisfaction, industry mentor feedback, student testimonials, and depth of skill development demonstrated.

Long term Outcomes track career placement in creative technology, continued engagement with technology learning, alumni return as mentors, and community impact and awareness.

See Section 5 for complete evaluation framework and logic models.

We track alumni outcomes through follow up surveys at 3, 6, and 12 months. Common pathways include several options.

Youth Program Alumni often enroll in advanced AIGI programs, increase STEM/STEAM course selection in school, participate in technology clubs, pursue creative technology in higher education, and return as junior mentors in future cohorts.

College Program Alumni frequently find employment in game industry in QA, junior developer, or designer roles. Others continue game development independently or in small studios, pursue graduate education in interactive media or computer science, use published games as portfolio pieces for any career path, or provide mentorship to current AIGI student teams.

Accessibility is central to AIGI's mission.

Financial Accessibility means 50% or more of youth program students receive full or partial scholarships. Need based aid is determined through simple, confidential application. Payment plans are available. No student is turned away due to inability to pay. College publishing program is fully funded with no cost to students.

Practical Accessibility means programs are located in communities we serve eliminating long commutes. After school timing works with family schedules. All equipment is provided so students need nothing to participate. Snacks are provided during programs. Transportation assistance is explored with community partners.

Cultural Accessibility creates welcoming environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds. "No experience required" removes imposter syndrome barrier. Representation in instructors and mentors shows students people like them succeed. Curriculum includes diverse game examples and perspectives.

When AIGI publishes student games, the revenue distribution works as follows.

Student teams receive credit and portfolio recognition for their work. Platform fees typically 30% go to Steam, itch.io, or other distributors. AIGI retains remaining revenue (70% of net) to fund scholarships and program expansion. Students understand this model upfront and sign clear agreements. Revenue reinvestment ensures each success helps future students.

Revenue Transparency means students receive regular sales reports. Financial impact is clearly communicated. Recognition of student contribution to organizational mission is emphasized. Future revenue sharing models may evolve as organization scales.

This model creates sustainability where every successful student project directly enables opportunity for future students from communities with limited resources.