GameStop and Autism Speaks launch NXT Gen Coders program

GameStop raising funds to increase employment opportunities within autism community through its third annual in-store autism awareness campaign

April 27, 2018

It is estimated that by 2020, there will be more than one million open jobs in the computer coding industry. Computer programming and coding are logical, predictable and visual – three attributes that make them appealing to many individuals with autism. And yet, the vast majority of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed.

The new NXT Gen Coders Program powered by GameStop, and administered by Autism Speaks, is committed to increasing employment opportunities for the autism community in the fields of computer coding and programming.

During GameStop’s 2018 campaign, a portion of funds raised will help fund the NXT Gen Coders Program, and enable Autism Speaks to provide grants to organizations offering coding education and training services. Autism Speaks will invite organizations across the country to submit proposals via an engaging and in-depth process that results in awarding a select group of program recipients. Autism Speaks will work closely with recipient organizations to identify program participants who demonstrate clear financial need.

From May 1- 31, 2018, all GameStop stores in the U.S. will be having a GameStop Gives Back Event, offering three ways guests can contribute to support of people with autism:

  • For the first-time guests will have the option to donate up to 100% of their trade-in value to Autism Speaks when they bring to GameStop their unused video game hardware, software, accessories, or consumer electronics.
     
  • Donate $1, $5, $10 or more in store or on GameStop.com and GameStop will provide triple PowerUp Rewards™ points on the donation amount.
     
  • Online only: PowerUp Rewards members can now donate PowerUp Rewards points to Autism Speaks in the PowerUp Rewards Center.

This May, please join us in letting our friends at GameStop know how much we appreciate all of their efforts in their stores to drive support, understanding and acceptance of people with autism. For program details and restrictions please visit www.gamestop.com