Career Exploration in Action: CSF Scholars from Yakima Visit Bungie
What do you call it when you get to do something that you love and get paid for it? A dream job!
CSF Scholars have big career aspirations, but turning that into something tangible matters. That’s why exploring what comes after high school includes hands-on experiences like visits to local and regional employers for students. These opportunities help them better understand their options and identify which colleges offer programs aligned with their career goals.
Recently, 35 students from Davis High School in Yakima visited Bungie, Inc.’s headquarters in Bellevue for a day of career exploration in entertainment and gaming. For many, a future in video game development or a related field felt especially appealing and eye-opening.
One of the most memorable aspects of the tour was a behind-the-scenes look at how games are brought to life through motion capture. In this process, live actors wear specialized suits that record their movements, which are then translated into realistic 3D characters.
CSF Advisor Elvira, along with fellow advisors Maria, Isai, and Danny at Davis High School, traveled from Yakima with students they’ve been preparing for college. In addition to helping CSF Scholars navigate things like financial aid and college applications, they connect them to career exploration opportunities like the visit to Bungie and campus tours at colleges throughout Washington state, helping students to see themselves in these spaces.
“Seeing our students walk into the lobby, you could feel their excitement building for the tour,” Elvira shared. “They had been anticipating this day for a while, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at Bungie meant so much to students interested in game development, as well as the many other career paths that support the industry, including IT, marketing, narrative writing, and sound design. The experience gave them a fuller picture of all the people it takes to make Bungie run.”
Bungie Gives Back to Leadership 1000 Scholars
Known for creating the popular Halo, Destiny, Myth, and Marathon video game franchises, Bungie brings players together to foster connected communities. It is through those communities that funding is raised to give back to nonprofits. Bungie Foundation’s annual Game2Give event raises funds for the causes and partner nonprofits connected to its mission.
Bungie has been funding seven Leadership 1000 Scholars every year since 2022, and has supported 35 CSF Scholars through L1000 Scholarships.
“Through their consistent investment in their Leadership 1000 Scholarships, Bungie’s community has helped expand opportunity for many of our students, especially those interested in going into STEM fields,” said Anna Bennett, CSF’s Associate Director of Philanthropy.
College Success Foundation’s Leadership 1000 Scholarship is designed to support students holistically, not only through financial assistance but through additional resources and connections to L1000 donors and college coaches who encourage, guide, and open doors for students.
If you are interested in becoming a Leadership 1000 donor or would like to support career exploration experiences for CSF Scholars, please email Anna Bennett for more information.