continued from the home page…

During that time, we were encouraged by many people to move our operations outside of the basement because they were confident we had a lot to share with so many others who were interested in what we had to offer – and all training was free. Within two years after starting, we decided to formally set up as a 501c3 non-profit. And after that, we started teaching workshops at public libraries and coffee shops where students would have access to WiFi & the internet while learning to create video games or mobile applications.

Soon afterwards, we started visiting several local colleges and universities with prospective students to see what was available to those that could afford education, and determine how we could tool people that could not afford or didn’t have the hours to invest in pursuing a degree. Eventually, we moved from the noisy coffee shops and libraries that were often booked up or closed too early to co-working and incubator spaces. PETAL et al. also works online with students internationally. Thus, we have created a global network for like-minded students. As our reach out began to expand via word of mouth, local forums and boards, we made acquaintances with people wanting to learn, start or change their career as well as college students at networking events who had finished school or were about to finish school. Many of them were concerned about the quality of their portfolios or lack of and wanted to take their education further during their final semester(s) at school and even after graduation.

Now PETAL et al. has ventured out to a much broader and more diverse, inclusive and passionate group of people. Students (some with families) surviving on minimum, low wages or no steady income at all while paying off college debt, and working outside of their anticipated career choice are a welcome part of our community. We provide paths for them to further develop their skills, gain new skills or get started with their own indie company or open a door for a job opportunity. We want to see them succeed! The chemistry and synergy between our participants has created a unique dynamic that many have expressed gratitude in being a part of, and they are also enjoying the ride!

Creators of PETAL et al. are proud to be trailblazers in the entertainment technology arts non-profit arena, and certainly for being a model for other organizations and groups that have adopted our format. All are welcome to participate in our technology endeavors and planning; and we make it our business to make them feel that way.