Last summer, EA teamed with Girls Who Code to create a summer program for future game developers. Girls who participated in the program were able to go on The Sims Studio tour and view various studio jobs, ask questions, and see the “real world applications” of their coding experience.

The girls, aged 15 to 17, were able to follow the complete production of a game, from design to implementation to marketing. EA advisors encouraged the girls to ask questions about their professional pathways and educational backgrounds. Those on the tour were also surprised to learn that coding wasn’t an isolated job. Many remarked how cool it was to see the collaboration of the different departments, all involved in the creation of a game.

Alexa, 17, remarked, “Unlike some of the other girls in this program I’ve had coding experience before but I still had that stereotype in my head that coders were just in a dark room and you’re together, but you didn’t really work together. But after looking at The Sims and everything [today], I now know that everyone works together from all different parts—not even just computer science but everyone—and it makes me really want to go into the gaming industry, especially in computer science.”

The girls in the program were thrilled to see how their general interest in gaming could be translated into a rewarding career. EA advisors reassured them that all experience levels can lend something to game creation process, and that diversity of knowledge is key to the success of the game.

Kristie, 17, stated, “Before I was kind of scared of computer science and coding and all of that, but now being in this program and this experience that we got to go through was amazing. It taught you so much about teamwork and leadership and the people that will support you all the way. It makes me now realize that this is such a great career path to choose, it’s [nothing] to be afraid of and whatever you do, you can make an impact and a difference.”

To view how EA Games has partnered with Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls and Girls Who Code, watch the video below.

To see more EA Games collaborations with girls and gaming, click here.

To learn more about the 2016 Immersion Program and to apply, click here.
Note: The deadline is March 1st.