🎮 The 2025–2026 G4C Student Challenge Portal Is OPEN + Explore Game Jam Opportunities!

Welcome to the November G4C Learn Newsletter! We’re ecstatic to kick off the 2025–2026 G4C Student Challenge Competition with key details about the submission process below. This issue also includes fresh game design resources, upcoming Game Jam opportunities, and more. Keep reading to dive in!

- G4C Learn Team

It’s Here! The 2025-2026 G4C Student Challenge Competition submission portal is now OPEN! 🎉 🎮

Young creators ages 10–25 from around the world can now submit their original social impact games, character designs, and game trailers that address global issues aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Over the past 10 years, 70,000+ students and 1,600+ educators from 91 countries around the world have been exploring game design through their participation in the G4C Student Challenge. By creating games about real-world issues, students build STEM skills and strengthen social-emotional learning through meaningful hands-on experiences in game design.

Since the Challenge's inception, young creators have designed 6,600+ original impact-driven games and media projects, showcasing their ideas and creativity as game designers and becoming active citizens using interactive media for social good.

TWO Game of the Year Winners will be selected  – one from the Junior/Senior Division and one from the Expert Division. Each team will receive a $10,000 scholarship generously provided by Endless and Take-Two Interactive. 

Competition Divisions:

• Youth ages 10-13 submit to the Junior competition categories.

• Youth ages 14-18 submit to the Senior competition categories.

• Youth ages 19-25 submit to the Expert competition categories.

🌍 Social Impact Themes:

🏆 Award Categories: 

📅 Submission Deadline: March 30, 2026
We can’t wait to see what everyone creates! 

Need help, support, or resources?

• 📘 Review the 2025–2026 Student Challenge Handbook for all guidelines, deadlines, and FAQs.

• 📧 Email: [email protected].

• 💬 Join our Discord community for playtesting, team-finding, and game jam opportunities.

• 🧑‍🏫 Educator Resources: Dive into toolkits, free lessons, and professional development, designed to help you engage students through the excitement of games.

• 🎓️ Student Resources: Use this to explore the fundamentals of game design with your students! Open to all skill ranges, these resources are the perfect way to enhance your game design skills. 

The 2025 - 2026 G4C Student Challenge is generously funded and supported by:
Endless, World Food Program USA, Playing for the Planet, General Motors, Take Two Interactive, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Global Game Jam, G4C Chapters, and Unity

Student Challenge Game Jams are BACK! 📣

G4C Game Jams are fast-paced, collaborative events where students prototype and playtest digital or tabletop games inspired by this year’s social impact themes. No prior experience required! 💥🎮

For educators in classrooms, clubs, or community centers, we provide a free step-by-step Game Jam Guide to help with the planning and facilitation, including in low-tech and no-tech environments. 

Want to host a Game Jam for students ages 10–18? Funding is available!

• U.S.-based educators: Apply for the G4C U.S. Teachers Grant.

• International educators: Apply for Global Game Jam NEXT Stipend.

This past weekend, we wrapped up our recent Game Plan program in New York City! 🎮 ✨

During this in-person professional development session, we brought together Tri-State Area educators to dive deep into game-based learning. Throughout the day, participants played games, built a community of support with like-minded educators, and moved through the design process to develop content-aligned learning game prototypes. They practiced thinking like a game designer to better understand what students experience during the game development process.

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more events and educator opportunities in the weeks ahead! 🚀

Do you know educators who would be interested in bringing games and play into their classrooms with the professional support and community of G4C Learn? Share this newsletter with them!