Bright Spot: 25 RIT summer campers get laptops to keep building video games at home

July 29, 2026 - 14:20

A group of 25 middle school students attending a summer camp at the Rochester Institute of Technology are getting a big boost to continue their creative work. The camp, focused on video game development and supported by AT&T, has provided each participant with a laptop to take home. This allows the young developers to keep building and refining their games long after the camp ends.

The program is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of game design, coding, and digital storytelling. Over the course of the camp, the campers learned how to create their own playable games from scratch. As a final project, they showcased their completed creations to teachers and fellow campers. The presentations gave the students a chance to demonstrate what they learned and receive feedback on their work.

Organizers say the laptops remove a major barrier for students who may not have access to a computer at home. By giving them the tools to continue practicing, the camp aims to sustain their interest in technology and computer science. For many of these young creators, the experience could be the first step toward a future career in game development or other tech fields. The camp is seen as a bright spot in efforts to make STEM education more accessible and engaging for middle schoolers.