Brown Toy Box, an Atlanta-based innovative educational toy company focused on fostering diversity and inclusion in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields, recently released the interactive game Maya’s Virtual Adventure.
The educational game, powered by Microsoft MakeCode, went live on May 1, 2024 and was developed in collaboration with Microsoft for Nonprofits program Nonprofit Tech Acceleration (NTA).
In an AtlantaFi.com interview, Brown Toy Box owner Terri Nichelle-Bradley says her inspiration came from her formative years in Minnesota. “From my mother ensuring all of her children had positive representation around us all of the time as a child.” She said, the idea came from “wanting my black children to know about black trailblazers and innovators beyond the context of slavery or the civil rights movement.”
Brown Toy Box toys, games, and experiences emphasize early and recurring exposure to STEAM in a culturally relevant manner. Although Black individuals represent 14% of the population, they account for less than 5% of game developers, despite being significant consumers of the $160 billion gaming industry. This collaboration aims to inspire Black children to aspire to grow from consumers to creators in the gaming world.
“By blending representation in gaming with STEAM education, we aim to increase positive images of Black children while inspiring them to develop and explore their interests in coding and game development,” said Terri-Nichelle Bradley, Founder and CEO of Brown Toy Box and chair of Brown Toy Box Foundation.
“Maya’s Virtual Adventure takes children on an immersive learning journey, exploring coding and game development possibilities as they assist Maya in navigating a vibrant virtual world,” Bradley added.
The game features an innovative curriculum introducing young learners to coding concepts in a fun, interactive way. The game provides children with an immersive experience, allowing them to take on challenges, learn simple block -based coding, while unlocking creativity and problem-solving skills.
“Through our collaboration with Brown Toy Box, we’re thrilled to launch Maya’s Virtual Adventure, which will open the door to STEAM education for many young learners,” said Darrell Booker, Executive at Microsoft Nonprofit Tech Accelerator. “By integrating our technology and expertise with Brown Toy Box’s tactile educational play-based learning approach, we aim to inspire a new generation of Black innovators and creators in the tech space,” said Booker.
Maya’s Virtual Adventure introduces Maya, one of the characters from Brown Toy Box’s Dadisi Academy Crew, who represent 15 different STEAM themes. Maya represents coding and game development, guiding children through an exciting quest in a vibrant virtual world.
While anyone can download Maya’s Virtual Adventure, Brown Toy Box and Microsoft NTA is intentional about ensuring the game gets deployed to nonprofits serving children, providing them with an innovative tool to engage young learners and nurture their interest in STEAM. By using the game’s curriculum, families, educators, and community leaders can offer a unique learning experience that celebrates diversity and encourages inclusivity in the world of technology.
Maya’s Virtual Adventure is the first of several MakeCode games being developed in this collaboration, offering a series of educational experiences for children to expand their interest and skills in coding. To access and register for the game visit Maya’s Virtual Adventure here.
