iThrive Games values the genius of young people, and engaging teens as compensated experts in the game and experience design is a core pillar of our approach. Teens are at the table for all phases of our design process, helping our social and emotional learning experts explore issues, build playful and impactful solutions, and get new tools and experiences out into the world. Our co-design model with teens is not about checking a box. It is about mutual inspiration and transformation that would not emerge any other way.

iThrive Games' teen reach is expanding daily. A diverse and growing circle of teens engages with us through our Teen Hub, where we share paid opportunities for teens to lend their wisdom and creativity to projects. iThrive also maintains a network of engaged teen advisors from our design programs, partnerships, and playtesting sessions with schools, museums, camps, out-of-school-time organizations, and homeschool networks nationwide.

We have seen firsthand how contributing to the creation of games and other playful experiences sparks teens to take the lead; explore, express, and cope with the issues they face; and imagine new possibilities for themselves and the world. As we collaborate with teens, they open our eyes and hearts to deeper understanding, care, and creativity.

If you are a teen - or know one - who loves games, consider joining our Teen Hub to stay informed about opportunities to design with iThrive.