iThrive Sim Programming

iThrive Sim: Lives in Balance, Leading Through Crisis, and Follow the Facts

The Council, in partnership with iThrive Games Foundation, will offer iThrive Sim Programming for our high school audience: a series of innovative, game-based simulations that are structured to engage students in educational role-playing online. Facilitated through iThrive's unique interface, students are forced to contend with conflicting information from multiple sources including politicians, content-area experts, journalists, and the voice of the people. The information changes quickly and forces students to advocate their positions, negotiate, and compromise to take care of both their constituents and the nation.

The Council is now offering three iThrive Sim programs available for member high schools.

(1) The first available program is "Lives in Balance", where students serve as U.S. government officials who must decide when and how to reopen the economies of four Southwestern states during a global pandemic.

(2) The second simulation program available is "Leading Through Crisis". This simulation invites high school students to play as members of the Crisis Management Team, a group of cabinet-level executives tasked with responding to domestic and international incidents during a time of presidential transition. Playing the role of cabinet members and White House staff, students will be asked to make high-stakes decisions, with the fate of the country in their hands during a critical time.

(3) The third simulation "Follow the Facts" is a media literacy simulation forcing students to parse competing information while informing the public of ongoing crises. Students role-play reporters, news editors, and other key decision-makers deciding which information to publish, and which to retain.
 

About this Program: 
* Platforms Required:
iThrive simulations require students to use Zoom or Google Meet;
* Duration: 1.5 hours which includes an introductory session led by Council Education staff, ~45 minutes of gameplay, and a short debrief facilitated by Council staff;
* Program Offering: Scheduled directly with Council Education Staff, with multiple simulation offerings available; Each simulation is limited to 6 students per game-play session (observer roles available for other students and faculty), but multiple games can be run at the same time;
* Preparation Level: Light - Students are only required to read short 'Character Profiles' which help students understand the role, motivations, and goals of the person they are representing.

MISSION: iThrive Games prepares teens to thrive by meeting them where they are, and by working in partnership towards a world where all have the voice, choice, and agency to reach their full potential. We use games and game design to equip teens with the social and emotional skills they need to be healthy and resilient, the tools that support and protect their mental health and well-being, and the systems thinking they need to recognize inequity along with meaningful opportunities to imagine and design a better world.

VISION: We envision a world where teens are seen and valued by society, where adults have the tools they need to support teens' development, where all live healthy and purposeful lives, and where there is equal opportunity open to all, especially to those who have traditionally been marginalized.