Mar. 25, 2016
Central partners with Microsoft and Real Madrid Foundation on youth program
The world-renowned Real Madrid Foundation, Microsoft, and Central Washington University (CWU) will kickoff a new partnership and youth leadership program called GAME ON! The program—the first of its kind on the West Coast—combines computer training with soccer workshops to promote youth leadership and computer coding skills.
The GAME ON! Youth Innovation and Leadership Program will be unveiled during a kickoff event for the media at 11 a.m. on March 29, in the Wellington Event Center at CWU. Local schools participating in the pilot program include Stanton Academy and Eisenhower High School of Yakima.
Among those scheduled to speak at the news conference are:
♣ James L. Gaudino, Central Washington University president
♣ Don Luis Fernando Esteban, Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Spain
♣ Emilio Butragueño, institutional relations director Real Madrid F.C., and retired Real Madrid soccer star, who played on the Spanish national team in two World Cups.
♣ Orlando Ayala, chairman and corporate vice president emerging businesses at Microsoft.
♣ Dave Chaplin, principal of Stanton Academy, Yakima
♣ Jewel Brumley, principal of Eisenhower High School, Yakima
Partners in GAME ON! include:
The Real Madrid Foundation: The global sports schools of the Real Madrid Foundation teach students leadership values through sport. The Foundation will provide curriculum and training for students’ leadership experience after school. Students will learn the values of teamwork, self control, respect, collaboration and more.
Microsoft YouthSpark: Since technology is an integral part of people’s daily lives, Microsoft is committed to ensuring all youth have the opportunity to learn computer science. The foundational subject prepares students with the computational-thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the digital world. Through its YouthSpark initiative, Microsoft will provide content and resources, both original and by partners such as Code.org, enabling students to have their first programming experience.
Central Washington University: CWU seeks to empower youth with academic services and mentoring so they believe they can succeed in college. CWU’s Center for Leadership and Community Engagement will coordinate the Youth Innovation and Leadership Program, ensuring coaching is based on the Real Madrid Foundation’s leadership development methods and ensuring the skilled delivery of YouthSpark curriculum.
Web site: cwu.edu/game-on
Media contact: Rich Moreno, director of content development, 509-963-2714, richardmo@cwu.edu.
—March 25, 2016