Video Games can Educate, Entertain, and Inspire
Video Game Palooza is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals through the educational and cultural potential of video games. We aim to inspire personal transformation by connecting students’ passions for technology and gaming with career pathways, education, and certifications. Through innovative programs like our Charity Arcade, we create unique opportunities for people to turn their interests into valuable skills and meaningful career opportunities.
At Video Game Palooza, we envision a world where technology and entertainment fuel progress, enrich lives, and unlock new doors for personal and professional growth. As part of our mission, Hope Training Academy, a branch of Video Game Palooza, provides high-demand IT credentials and support to help end cycles of poverty and financial insecurity. Our training equips individuals with the tools needed for success in fast-growing technology fields.
Founded by Rick and Cara Barretto, who have a long history of success in the video game industry, Video Game Palooza was established in 2013 to give back to the community and raise awareness of key challenges within the industry, including STEM research, STEM education, and increasing diversity by encouraging more women to enter the field.
We established the Video Game Palooza Foundation, a charity focused on improving lives through the use of video games and interactive technology, while promoting education, advocacy, and awareness in the gaming world. By leveraging students’ natural passion for gaming, we motivate interest in STEM learning and career development.
Our work is accomplished through the development of STEM-based video games and video game products that raise funds and awareness for worthy causes. We also advocate for the importance of diversity in the video game industry.
One of our key initiatives is providing new and refurbished video game cabinets to organizations that serve youth. We receive donated cabinets from individuals and organizations, refurbish them with educational STEM software, and distribute them to organizations based on their educational needs.
Video Game Palooza operates through two main avenues: Events and Donations.
EVENTS
We started out by creating events for the largest Children’s Museum in the world – the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. At these events we set up video game and interactive exhibits that are made possible through our donor partners. These events are fun, interactive events for kids of all ages. Our events are continually expanding and have grown into classroom programs and other engaging corporate events.
DONATIONS
This is all made possible with the help of generous donors, like you, who see our worth in helping kids. We accept donations of both cash and video games of all kinds. Donations are used to fund our public events and all of our other educational programs. With the cash donations, we are able to have the resources it takes to put on educational video game events and classes. With the video games that are donated, we are able to provide video games, new consoles, peripherals, interactive games, and software for qualifying organizations such as missions, community centers, hospitals, and therapy facilities.
These donations allow for children to enjoy age-appropriate entertainment while interacting with their peers, friends, and family. In many cases of high needs, these donations can help provide vital distraction from an otherwise generally unpleasant experience. We accept both anonymous and specific ‘named’ donations in which we donate on your behalf.
Please help today by choosing one or many of the following options:
- Donate your funds.
- Donate video games.
- Donate your time.
- Register as a community organization in need of donations.
- Register today as an individual in need of donations.
Make a difference in someone’s life today using the power of video games!
CONTACT US
Feel free to contact us at donations@videogamepalooza.org and someone will get back to you on the same business day.