“Don’t just play the game, get in the game.”
 

Our Mission:

Art. Tech. Education. Training.

Hughes Who Technologies Studio-NFP is committed to raising the percentage of the under-served in the diversity-lacking gaming and interactive industries. We accomplish this through our youth STEAM workshops and young adult apprenticeship program which raises awareness of opportunities and exposes young people, especially those who are under-served and at-risk, to the fundamentals of game design, animation, art, programming, producing/QA; and introduces emergent technologies such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality) and IoT (Internet of Things).

Our motto: “Don’t just play the game, get in the game.”

 
 
DuPage NAACP Gaming Workshop

DuPage NAACP Gaming Workshop

Our students got an opportunity to visit Raven Games, AAA Game Company - Call of Duty Creators

What We Do

Hughes Who Technologies Studio is a not-for-profit that uses art, technology and gaming to enhance the academic, social and creative skills of at-risk youth; and prepares young adults for future employment in the gaming and interactive industries (film, video and online).

Facts

Gaming is a multi-billion dollar business surpassing the motion picture, american professional sports and music industries combined.

The Games market is expected to hit $445 billion in global revenues in 2024 (Statista).

Gaming has grown beyond fun and entertainment. It plays a growing role in healthcare, business training, and education.

In addition to gaming and animation, other related technologies such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence, are redefining how we live, learn and work.

Though Blacks and Hispanics make up 75% of the gamers market (Statista) roughly 5% of them game developers by the IGDA ( International Game Developers Association).

Apostolic Church of God - Kids play-testing our VR Game

Apostolic Church of God - Kids play-testing our VR Game

Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow eight percent by 2026. However young people who live in under-served communities are unaware of this growing job market. For at-risk elementary and middle school students who take Hughes Who Technologies Studio STEAM workshops, they have fun learning new ways to create and collaborate, and get a glimpse at careers they may consider in the future.

For at-risk high school and college-aged youth, Hughes Who Technologies Studio offers an apprenticeship program that teaches the business of gaming, gamification and real world game development so they will be better prepared when considering post-secondary education, career options or becoming an indie game developer.

Our Impact

Throughout the years, parent company Hughes Who Technologies LLC donated its time conducting impactful animation and technology workshops at various schools and organizations much to the delight of young people throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Its not-for-profit arm seeks to continue the tradition.

Kelvyn High School Gaming Workshop - Northwest Side of Chicago

Kelvyn High School Gaming Workshop - Northwest Side of Chicago

 

35+

years teaching animation and gaming at colleges and universities

  • Columbia College Chicago

  • International Academy of Design and Technology

  • Tribeca-Flashpoint Digital Arts Academy

  • Art Institute of Wisconsin

  • DePaul University Chicago

  • Kennedy-King College of Chicago

 

30+

organizations served

  • 100 Black Men – Chicago Chapter

  • Kidz Express, Austin community

  • ChildServ, Chicago IL

  • Apostolic Church of God, Chicago

  • Brooks Middle School, Oak Park IL  

  • Hatch School, Oak Park IL

  • Sankofa House, West Side Chicago

  • Granger Middle School, Aurora IL

  • Kelvyn High School, Northwest Side Chicago

  • DuPage NAACP - Aurora, IL

  • Illinois Math and Science Academy, Aurora IL

  • North Central College, Naperville IL

  • Sci-Tech Museum, Aurora IL

  • Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago IL

  • Camp of Dreams, Chicago IL

  • Chicago Police Adventure Club

  • Phalanx Family Services

  • SGA/ DFSS (Department of Family Support Services

  • Ronald Brown Academy Middle School

  • Chicago Park District

  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

 

5+

Thousand young people Impacted

Through mentoring, volunteering and teaching. Many former students moved on to pursue successful careers in gaming and technology.

“Darryl's level of impact on my institution's educational program was extraordinary to say the least. His expertise of game development combined with his natural talents as a mentor proved to be a perfect mixture for a great instructor. Thanks largely in part to Darryl's coaching and philosophies, I was quickly able to employ my skills and build a rapport to acquire a full time position at a high profile AAA game development studio. I highly recommend Darryl as both an instructor and a colleague.”

Christopher LaCalamita

Student - Flashpoint Academy – Now Producer at Iron Galaxy Games

 

Our Partners

Hughes Who Technologies Studio-NFP is supported by organizations that believe that offering STEAM through game development, animation, art and emerging technologies will help under-served young people thrive academically, creatively and socially as well as encourage them to consider, or be better prepared for, careers in the lucrative arts and technology fields.

 
North Central College

North Central College

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Camp of Dreams

Camp of Dreams

Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University

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Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts

University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Illinois at Chicago

ComEd

ComEd

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First International Business Networking Magazine

First International Business Networking Magazine

Depart. of Family & Support Services

Depart. of Family & Support Services

Certain Affinity Gaming

 

Our Founders

Hughes Who Technologies Studio-NFP is led by founders Darryl Hughes and Edye Deloch-Hughes. Their goal is to use their professional experience, creative skills and parent advocacy to build confidence and a love of learning through gaming, animation and other technologies. This is especially important for those who struggle academically.

 
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Darryl Hughes

Principal Instructor:  Over 40 years’ experience as a Game Developer, Creative Director, Producer and artist/animator for top global gaming and animation companies in the U.S and other countries. Also adjunct gaming and animation professor for a host of colleges and universities. Developed several animation and gaming curriculums for these institutions. Darryl took a 4 student team of game developers to Microsoft’s Imagine Cup and won the U.S. National Championship and made it the semi-finals in New York. Many of Darryl’s students have gone on to work for Disney, Warner Bros., Blue Sky Productions, Blizzard Games, NetherRealm Studio, and Pixar to name a few. Darryl has over 10 game patents. Developed a game development program for Kennedy-King College, a first for Chicago City Colleges! Darryl just received the Jerry Lawson Lifetime Achievement Award in Gaming at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. Jerry Lawson was the Black man that created the video game cartridge.

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Edye Deloch-Hughes

Co-Instructor Being a creative director/writer in advertising for over 35 years was Edye’s profession; serving as parent educator, youth advocate and mentor was her passion. As volunteer President of the A.P.P.L.E. parent organization, she implemented a successful Parent/Tutoring program to help close the Achievement Gap. She served as mentor at various organizations, and a para-educator at her local school district. She has earned multiple awards for her dedication working with students in the community. Edye authored two books, “I Like Gym Shoe Soup” children’s book and “Raising Hell or Raise Them Well” self-help guide for under-served parents. Both on Amazon.

 

Our Board Members

We seek brilliant minds in education, art and technology to help support our mission.

 
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Ellery Hunter

Mr. Hunter has over 30 year’s experience at AT&T, and former Asst Vice President of Labor Relations for the Midwest Region. He served as the Chief Spokesperson for collective bargaining in the Midwest region and provides strategic counsel to internal clients on Labor matters.  Ellery’s life is enriched by his commitments to his family (wife Nina, 4 children and 6 grandchildren) his faith and his determination to help others. He is a teacher, author (“The Second Peter Principle: Keys to Becoming an Effective Christian” – published in 2017), and blogger (ELLWord.com). The CEO of the Hunter Family Foundation - “Degrees Matter”.

Roderick Woodruff

Roderick brings to the table over 45 years of proven business experience as a former advertising/marketing executive, IT professional and social entrepreneur, with an extensive knowledge in information systems management and training – Roderick remains driven by his dual passions -- multimedia communications and STEM education technology. A Vietnam-era veteran, Roderick attended college in Detroit, Michigan on the GI-Bill.

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Gail Mitchell

Gail Mitchell is an Assistant Professor of Visual Communications at Kennedy-King College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, teaching a new generation of designers. Prior to this role, she held a number of positions in the graphic design field for over 20 years, including as art director at the Chicago Tribune, Sophisticate’s Black Hair Style and Care Guide Magazine, JC Whitney, and Johnson Publishing Company.  She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Arts in Teaching Adults from DePaul University.

 
 
 
 
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Devin hughes

Devin Hughes is a Chicago native that relocated to Austin, Texas in 2017. He graduated with his B.A. in Advertising Communication and currently holds an MBA from Southern Illinois University. Devin has 10+ years of sales and recruiting experience and recently utilized his skills and knowledge as the Senior Recruiter for Blizzard/Activision, Google and Microsoft. Devin’s expertise includes building relationships with key personnel; identifying and communicating with potential candidates. As an active member of his community, Devin works with students at local high schools and colleges teaching financial literacy, college-readiness, and life skills. He’s currently a Talent Acquisition Partner (recruiter) at National University.

 

Apostle Kevin Brown

 After accepting his call to the ministry Apostle Brown was ordained under the direction of Renounced Community Activist and Pastor Rev. Al Sampson of Fernwood United Methodist Church in Chicago, Illinois. Apostle Brown is a devoted father and husband to his lovely wife of over 24 years. He celebrates 23 years of Pastoral ship, we honor and cherish the work Apostle Brown has done and is continuing to do. He has had many programs and currently maintains a Food Pantry that serves over 5,000 families monthly in the Englewood community. Apostle Brown is very active with the CAPS organization as well as Believe In Thine Heart Ministries is Partnered with Various organizations in the Englewood community.

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KAi Hughes

Kai Hughes is a game developer and artist with ten years’ experience in the gaming industry. Kai Hughes served as a game artist for 2 By 2 gaming, Hughes Who Technologies and now is currently Creative Director and manager of the art department at Bluberi Games. Kai has developed top notched licensed products such as Gunsmoke, Buffy the Vampire Killer, Penn and Teller, South Park and Shark Week for the adult gaming industry. An accomplished and seasoned artist and sculptor, Kai has exhibited his work at a host of art shows and galleries throughout the Chicagoland area. 

 
 
 

Our Advisory Council Members

We seek brilliant people to help support our mission

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Miguel Guerrero

Miguel Guerrero is a Chicago native, graduated from i.c.stars in 2018, and current i.c.stars resident. Started a geek themed entertainment company called GeekStudioz, which focuses on gaming, comic books, art, cinema, technology and coding. He is an active member of his community who fights to bring technology to children in Chicago. Worked with CIBC bank to create a financial literacy application/game for their Money Savvy Curriculum. Possesses knowledge in over 5 computer languages, 5 years plus experience in Adobe software. Co-founder of VICI Technologies. Founding member of Chicago Progress.

Kayode “Kai” Idris jr.

Kayode Idris Jr is an Air Force veteran who has transitioned into the field of software/technology after six years of service as an Air Force Medic. He graduated from Savvy Coders in web development, and is now an Associate Consultant for Polaris Solutions. Having traveled to various places around the world, Kayode has returned home to use the skills he acquired in the military to help lead and mentor the younger generation. Kayode, being new to the field himself, believes as he continues to grow while learning on his journey, in return he can help teach others along the way.

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Our Workshops

Hughes Who Technologies Studio workshops: infuse art and creativity into the STEM experience through gaming and animation workshops conducted at schools, churches, museums, or other organizations. Students learn how to use the most important computer they possess - their brains - to produce game ideas, characters, and animation videos. They also learn beginning coding and create simple games through programs such as Scratch™ and Unity™. These workshops promote critical thinking, collaboration, writing , artistic and presentation skills. It can help reinforce your current curriculum which is especially beneficial to those who learn differently.

Gaming

For ages 8 - young adult: We teach basic game design skills:

Students learn how to:  Brainstorm ideas, Design their own board games, Write original game concepts, Learn beginning coding and create simple games through the Scratch™ program and more advanced games using Unity™ game engine. We’re available for speaking engagements and offer one-day mini workshops for special occasions.

Duration: 3 - 60 hours. Will provide a customized plan to fit your needs.

Drawing

For ages 8 - young adult: We teach basic drawing skills:

Students learn how to:  Create characters from using geometric shapes, Creating facial expressions and emotions, Color theory, Perspective and layout design. Creating these drawings/images on paper and using digital software. These character designs can be used for the Animation and/or Clay Modeling workshops. We offer one-day mini workshops for special occasions!

Duration: 3 - 60 hours. Will provide a customized plan to fit your needs.

3D Stop Motion Clay Animation Workshop at St. Raphael Catholic School

3D Stop Motion Clay Animation Workshop at St. Raphael Catholic School

Animation

For ages 8 - young adult: We teach the 12 basic principles of animation, timing and animation skills:

Students learn how to: Create a flip-book animation, Design cartoon characters, Create stop motion animation with cut-outs, and with physical characters, as well as 2D drawn animation. The art of painting animation cels as art or to be used to shoot on camera. We offer one-day mini workshops for special occasions.

Duration: 3 - 60 hours. Will provide a customized plan to fit your needs.

3D Stop Motion Animation with the Chicago Park District

Xi Lambda Educational Foundation 2D Stop Motion Animation Workshop

Clay modeling

For ages 8 - young adult: We teach the fundamentals of model clay building:

Students learn how to:  Build characters and objects in clay, Develop reference sketches, Create an under-wire frame for clay characters to allow flexibility for future animations. We offer one-day mini workshops for special occasions!

Duration: 3 - 60 hours. Will provide a customized plan to fit your needs.

one Day-mini workshops

Our one-day mini workshops are for special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, etc. The kids will have 2-3 hours of fun filled creative activities.

 

Our Apprenticeship/Boot-Camp Program

Hughes Who Technologies Studio Apprenticeship/Mentorship Program: offers a comprehensive real world game development studio curriculum to under-served high school and at-risk young adults. Creating original game designs, art, sounds, programming in multiple game engines is a collaborative part of the class intensive study. We will also discuss the Business of Games. This includes the economics of gaming, including the ways that games are funded, marketed, and sold. At the end of this apprenticeship program students will receive a Certificate of Completion. Its mission is to let young people know there’s more to gaming than being a player.

Game Development Studio

For ages 16 -young adult: Where creativity meets technology! Hughes Who will expose apprentices to the business of gaming, gamification, real world game design, and portfolio development so they will be better prepared to pursue a career-focused interest in the gaming and interactive industries (film, video and online). These students will work with professionals to develop original concepts and educational games as well as 3D VR game experiences such as those that address veterans challenges with PTSD.

Darryl’s 4 student team won Microsoft Imagine Cup – 1St Place National Championship and semi-finalist in the World Competition in New York

Game Development Workshop in partnership with Northeastern Illinois University and Columbia College of Chicago

Hughes Who Technologies Studio-NFP - brought our after-school apprenticeship boot-camp program to Phalanx Family Services on the South-side of Chicago. Our apprenticeship boot-camp program is a 9 month - 4 days a week (4-7 p.m.) intensive study in Game Development: Producing/QA, Game Design, Game Art, Programming and the Business of Games (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Internet of Things) for high school students. These students will create their own custom games in a real world game studio environment. They will receive a monthly stipend for the training.

Game Development Boot-Camp - Phalanx Family Services

Game Development Boot-Camp - Phalanx Family Services

Hughes Who Technologies Studio-NFP - we are excited to announce that we have partnered with the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (the #1 public high school in Illinois and rated #2 in the country) to do a FREE two week virtual real-world game development boot-camp experience for high school and middle school students who are low-income, under-served and at-risk to give them the opportunity to get training in the technology and gaming industries.

Game Development Boot-Camp - Illinois Math and Science Academy

Game Development Boot-Camp - Illinois Math and Science Academy

Hughes Who Technologies Studio - Unity Virtual STEAM Boot-Camp

Hughes Who Technologies Studio - Unity Virtual STEAM Boot-Camp

 

Hughes Who News

Darryl Just won the Lifetime Achievement Award in Game Development at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco

Darryl recently won the Jerry Lawson Lifetime Achievement Award in Game Development at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. For his contributions to the gaming industry and giving back to the community.

Darryl’s Speech: https://youtu.be/6pG5yABRVrk

Darryl was interviewed on Jams & Joysticks discussing the relationship between Gaming and Education.

Darryl with a host of distinguished Chicago area black men were chosen as Chicago Defender's Black Men of Excellence honorees. He's making Hughes Who Technologies Studio the Who's Who of game development and interactive media for underserved youth.

Darryl was a guest speaker on the Podcast called School Dazed! Click Flyer to Watch Podcast

Coding can improve problem solving skills, foster a growth mindset, and develop creativity and confidence. Coding, many say, is basic literacy in the digital age and essential for students to learn in order to be competitive in the future. In this episode we discussed coding with STEM teacher, Dr. Mary Payton; Darryl Hughes, CEO of game development company, Hughes Who Technologies; and Dr. Tonjia Gimble, Senior Association Director of Teen Programs for YMCA Metropolitan Dallas.



llinois Math and Science Academy Conference "Girls IN2 STEM"

Why Gaming?

Edye and I are discussing all the different opportunities for women in the gaming and interactive industries to all the young ladies attending the conference.

As part of our new series women in the gaming industry, we were invited by Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) to do a presentation on "Women in Gaming". We had videos of two awesome women talking about their careers in the gaming industry as part of our presentation. We also were exhibitors with our "Technology Buffet" introducing students to Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and we also had the students doing stop-motion animations which they loved!

“One of the mom's at the conference during our presentation stated her daughter who likes art attended one our workshops in partnership with the DuPage NAACP and IMSA, found that our program is the only program she found that combines art and technology (STEAM) and her daughter enjoys that”.

Two Women in the industry voice their views about the challenges they face working in the gaming industry.

These videos were created by Board Member Kai Hughes

 

One on One Mentoring - Career Events

 

Industry Testimonials

Industry Testimony - NetherRealm

Industry Testimony - NetherRealm

Industry Testimony - Play Mechanix

Industry Testimony - Play Mechanix

Industry Testimony - IGT

Industry Testimony - IGT

 

Parent and Student Testimonials

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Workshop Testimonials

Gaming Workshop - Block Middle School - East Chicago IN

Gaming Workshop - Block Middle School - East Chicago IN

DePaul 2D Animation Workshop

DePaul 2D Animation Workshop

Mr. Hughes of Hughes Who Technologies Studio-NFP opened the minds of our high school teens to a world of new discoveries with their Game Design Workshop. The teens learned to think like game designers and actually created a completed original game at the end of the program. Mr. Hughes even went above the call of duty by arranging time for the students to meet with game developers at Everi Games in Chicago. They could relate to and speak with game developers about their future plans (college, possible internships, and gaming careers). I would highly recommend Hughes Who Technologies Studio to anyone in the future. 

Angelica K. Lewis | Librarian I 

Chicago Public Library | Chicago Bee Branch


Our Student’s Work

Our student’s works consist of learning how to create art, design and code. Students learn how to create an original game from concept design to completion. Learn how to do concept art, storyboarding, learn perspective, character design, and animation. They also create their own companies, business plan and create their promotional materials and business logo to support their businesses.

 

Our Workshop Gallery

 

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Aurora Sci-Tech Museum Animation Workshop - Flip Book Animation

Aurora Sci-Tech Museum Animation Workshop - Flip Book Animation

Hughes Who Technologies Studio-NFP appreciates the assistance and support given, and hope other individuals, companies, learning institutions and organizations will join us by getting involved. We want to expose our under-served and at-risk youth to opportunities that could change their lives in a positive way. Remember, we want them toNot just play the game but get in the game”.

 
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Pet-Chinko

This game was created by one of our students and professionals to give our under-represented youth game development experience.

“Don’t Just Play the Game, Get in the Game”

 

Sign Up For a Program

Click below to schedule a meeting to discuss your needs and how Hughes Who Studio can give your children a fun and rewarding experience.

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By giving your time, materials, supplies, equipment, work space or anything else that will help this organization and its youth move forward.

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Your tax exempt dollars will be used to help sponsor a child, purchase needed equipment and supplies, and keep Hughes Who’s studio sustainable.

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Click Button to Sign Up for Our Saturday Creative Workshop