(GayWebSource.com – Gay News & Press Network) – Posted by SeasonsofPride.com

July 7, 2014

July 18, 2014

The Maven Queer Youth Camp is open to all LGBTQ youth between the ages of 15-18 years old in the Bay Area.

Queer Youth Tech Camp

Do you like to play games on your phone, PlayStation and Xbox?
Are you curious about how these games are built?
Want to create your own phone app or website?
Haven’t coded before but want to learn how?
Want to see behind the scenes of big tech companies?
Want to know how to have a career in the tech industry?

We have a free program for you this summer! The Maven Queer Youth Camp is open to all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer youth between the ages of 15-18 years old in the Bay Area. LGBTQ youth of color are highly encouraged to apply.

A few things to know:

You DO NOT need to be a techie to apply!! The camp is for all levels from the curious to the more experienced.
You must have a desire to learn and participate in the full 2 week program. This is a day camp so most days will be from 10am-4pm.
The camp will be held at the Ask.com offices in Oakland for one week and the Mozilla offices in San Francisco for one week. Both locations are accessible by BART and bus. Travel vouchers may be available.
You’ll learn and apply tech skills, be exposed to the careers in technology, and raise your awareness of LGBTQ people in the tech.
AND, you’ll get to go behind the scenes of big tech companies, get connected with LGBTQ tech mentors, and to have fun during the summer with other LGBTQ youth!

This free summer camp will include:

Breakfast, lunch and TONS of snacks!
Tour of Mozilla and Ask.com, and a visit to GaymerX2
LGBTQ tech professionals Mentors
Training in coding/programming and game creation
Social justice and diversity in technology awareness
Team building and networking
Prizes and Gift Bags

Out Online: The Experiences of LGBT Youth on the Internet

According to a new report released in 2013 by GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, LGBT youth are seeking support and friends online. Key Findings

50% of LGBT youth reported having at least one close online friend, compared to only 19% of non-LGBT youth.
LGBT youth rated their online friends as more supportive than non-LGBT youth rated their online friends.
Two-thirds of LGBT youth (62%) had used the Internet to connect with other LGBT people in the past year.
More than half (52%) of LGBT youth who were not out to peers in person had used the Internet with other LGBT people.
LGBT youth reported high rates of civic engagement online (77%).

The Impact Online Support Can Offer

“The Internet does not serve to simply reinforce the negative dynamics found offline regarding bullying and harassment rather, this technology also offers LGBT youth critical tools for coping with these negative experiences, including access to understanding and accepting friends, and exposure to health information that is unavailable elsewhere.” – Dr. Michele Ybarra, President and Research Director of the Center for Innovative Public Health Research.

About Maven

Maven is an interactive virtual community for LGBTQA youth to network, organize and educate for social change.

Through social gaming, Maven provides Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Ally youth with training, resources and leadership opportunities. By utilizing a platform that enhances youth engagement, youth will get connected to other LGBTQA youth and community based organizations who serve queer youth. http://mymaven.org/