The **Carnegie Mellon National High School Game Academy** is a pre-college program for students interested in the full process of game development, from initial concept to playable prototype. Taught by **Carnegie Mellon University** faculty and industry-experienced instructors, the program combines **game design, programming, art, and sound** to help students understand how multidisciplinary teams create interactive experiences. Participants typically work in small teams to build original games, gaining exposure to tools and workflows used in professional and academic settings. This program is well suited for high school students who: - Enjoy **coding**, **digital art**, **game design**, or **interactive storytelling** - Are considering college majors in **computer science**, **game design**, **human-computer interaction**, or related STEM fields - Want structured, project-based experience to explore whether game development is a good fit Students leave with completed projects that can strengthen **college applications** and portfolios, especially for programs in computing, interactive media, or design. In addition to technical and creative skills, participants gain experience in **teamwork**, **iteration**, and **problem-solving** under deadlines—skills that admissions offices and future teachers value. The program also offers a preview of academic expectations at a research university and insight into potential career paths in games and interactive media. For current details on curriculum, eligibility, and application requirements, visit the program website.