Skillionaire Games by skillsgapp

🎉 Happy Labor Day Weekend! Labor Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of American workers. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we can break down barriers to access and increase career awareness, especially for those entering the workforce over the next few years. By doing so, we can help build a thriving and sustainable workforce for America's future and fill the nation's most needed jobs.

We're excited to play (😉) a part of #SCDecoded24 on Sept.10-11, representing the new wave of tech entrepreneurs in South Carolina. Our CEO, Tina Zwolinski, will join fellow innovators in #AI, #Broadband, #Cybersecurity, and #Defense to share insights and what lies ahead. 👉 Join us: https://lnkd.in/e-faX7q4

👉 It's here! This is the second part of our three-part series on Rules for Engaging Underrepresented Youth in Workforce Development: Using Your Privilege to Mentor Underrepresented Youth. Serita Acker, Exe.Director, MHRD, GCDF, skillsgapp advisor and internationally recognized creator of academic programs to increase underrepresented students in the STEM fields, shares key steps you can take to mentor underrepresented youth in workforce development, no matter what you look like. "It’s an ‘I-did-it-you-can-too’ formula that works." "Here’s the problem: It’s a numbers game, and they don’t add up." "Cross-racial mentorship has reciprocal benefits, as well, in building mutual trust and breaking down societal biases. Is looking like or speaking like minority youth ideal for establishing an apple-to-apples connection? Yes, but it’s not mandatory." 🎯 "If you have the social capital to move someone to the next level, do it."

Looking to connect and engage with #GenZ, your future workforce? Meet them where they are. 🤳 #221: Average daily notifications on phones (Thursdays #234) #154: Times they pick up their phone each day (Fridays #224) #1 TikTok #2 Instagram: Apps with the most screen time #1 Discord #2 Reddit: The new community apps

🥇 Recognizing and fostering the belief in one’s own capabilities—self-efficacy—is critical for effective skills development and career success. Unfortunately, research shows that minority youth in under-resourced communities often face lower levels of self-efficacy and empowerment due to systemic barriers. Aminata Mbodj, a Ph.D. human-centered computing candidate at Clemson University shares how gaming can help fuel self-efficacy in youth and provide an engaging way to bridge this gap. Gameplay enhances motivation and skill development and, ultimately, fosters the self-belief needed to succeed.

🎮 Who remembers the thrill of crossing rivers and dodging dysentery? With back-to-school season upon us, here's a throwback to a game created to make learning fun and engaging for youth. Players learn important skills like leadership, budgeting, and the importance of following directions! The #OregonTrail is still a great game for youth to play today. Take a break and see how far you can get without losing your wagon wheel. Happy trails! > https://oregontrail.ws/

"Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead Meet the #GameChangers: the Talent Search Scholars with the UMass Boston Project REACH Program (TRIO). These dedicated teens are spending their summer immersed in learning and preparing for future careers aligned with their passions—their #Ikigai. Last week, it was #GameOn as Guivens Andre introduced them to the exciting world of #Cyber #Tech careers in #Boston and shared his inspiring career journey. Their discovery and access continue through our #CyberWatchdog gameplay. Special thanks to Mai Pham and her team at Umass Boston for partnering with their program and to the #ADAGE team for the #GameTime engagement with the youth this summer and throughout the year ahead.

🤔 What is the #ProteusEffect and why does it matter for #workforce #development? Simply put > It's the phenomenon where the behavior of an individual is influenced by the characteristics of their digital avatar. Creating an avatar helps players visualize themselves in a virtual environment where they can “try things on"- like job roles. For youth, especially those from underserved communities, seeing an avatar that looks like them in a professional role can be game-changing for their career journey. #ReadOn. #GameOn.

The Jobs for the Future (JFF) #Horizons2024 conference in DC was remarkable. Government, workforce, and education leaders came together to listen, share insights, and build connections. The mission for impact is clear: by 2033, 75 million people facing systemic barriers to advancement will work in quality jobs, and we will have a part to do this in the new social economy by addressing racial inequity, providing second chances, and leveraging AI to purposefully enhance the lives of those who engage with it. This year was extra special being able to spend time with our original #GameChangers - San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Carol Tsushima, Ed.D. and Shehzad Bhojani, who care deeply about the success of their students from school to career and are innovators in their approach of connecting youth to careers. And, we celebrated the partnership announcement of American Student Assistance and #JFF with the ASA Center for Career Navigation at Jobs for the Future (JFF). 🙌 Exciting news from two of our partners that motivate us daily. The future is looking bright for the workforce of tomorrow. #GameOn

SCbio is a game-changing workforce partner. We 💚 our early adopters who are connecting with #GenZ where they are to scale career awareness, increase engagement, and connect youth to local opportunities. #GameOn 💙 Medical University of South Carolina, Rhythmlink International, LLC, Nephron Pharmaceuticals, South Carolina Power Team,