6th Annual Emoti-Con! is the Premier Showcase of Digital Media and Technology Projects Designed by Youth for Social Good

Keynote Addresses Include Entrepreneurs and Technology Leaders: Anil Dash, Matthew Burnett, Tanya Menendez and Jessy Jo Gomez

WHAT: More than 150 of New York City’s brightest, most tech-savvy youth from across the five boroughs will gather at the 6th annual Emoti-Con! to present their digital media and technology projects.

These innovative projects have been designed to address pressing issues in their global, local and learning environments, and will be presented in a science-fair style competition to compete for awards in multiple categories including: Most Innovative, Most Potential for Social Impact, Most Entertaining and Best Pitch. Youth will have a chance to earn digital badges and receive valuable feedback on their work.

Examples of projects that will be showcased include:

• Physical computing devices designed for individuals with cerebral palsy to assist them with painting, gaming, wheelchair navigation, and home care
• Mobile games that address social issues such as ending gun violence and racial bullying
• Multimedia stories that reflect on real teen experiences
• Interactive game controllers that combine fashion, wearable technology and game design

Judges will include leading technology entrepreneurs, members of the media, and educators. Once the top five projects are selected by the judges, the final awards will be chosen by the youth attendees.

WHEN: Saturday, June 14, 2013, 12:00pm - 4:30pm

WHERE: New York Public Library Bartos Forum (entrance on West 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues)

WHO: Youth participants in grades 6-12 from across New York City, representing various non-profit organizations that offer informal learning opportunities involving digital media and technology and are members of Hive NYC Learning Network
Keynote speakers including:
Anil Dash, ThinkUp
Matthew Burnett and Tanya Menendez, Maker’s Row
Jessy Jo Gomez, Win to Learn

Photos will be available following the event.

Learn more at http://emoti-con.org and follow our updates on:
Twitter: @EmotiCon_NYC or #emoticon2014
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EmotiConNYC

Organizations serving on the Emoti-Con! 2014 Steering Committee:
Global Kids
Hive NYC Learning Network
Mouse 
New York Public Library Parsons
The New School for Design

About Hive NYC: Mozilla Hive NYC Learning Network (Hive NYC) is a city-wide lab where educators, technologists and youth-development experts build and share innovative, connected educational experiences for young people. There are 55 member organizations, including museums, libraries, afterschool programs, code clubs and informal learning spaces. Together, these institutions create an ecosystem of opportunities for young people to explore their interests and develop key 21st-century skills. Network members have access to funding to support this work through The Hive Digital Media Learning Fund in The New York Community Trust. For more information, please visit http://www.hivenyc.org.

Media Contact
Lainie DeCoursy
Communications Manager
Mozilla Hive NYC
lainie@mozillafoundation.org 917.607.2525