Learning Games Lab
Learning Games Lab Summer Sessions 2026
Graphic design: skills for life
From classroom activities to career-related tasks, graphic design is everywhere. Youth who understand design principles can create engaging presentations, visually summarize complex ideas, and express their thinking ideas through logos and graphics.
This summer, the Learning Games Lab invites youth consultants to dive into graphic design and build practical skills that support success in school, work, and beyond.
The sessions are in-person for middle school students entering grades 6-8 and high school students entering grades
9-12.
In this hands-on session, participants will learn core design best practices, including color, layout, typography, and branding. Consultants will apply this knowledge by creating posters, presentations, and promotional materials for games. As always, consultants will also play and test games in development.
Middle School Sessions
- Session 1: May 27 to 29, 8:30am – Noon (Wednesday to Friday)
- Session 2: June 1 to 5, 8:30am – Noon (Monday to Friday)
High School Sessions
- Session 3: June 8 & 9, 1:30pm – 5:00pm (Monday & Tuesday)
- Session 4: June 10 & 11, 1:30pm – 5:00pm (Wednesday & Thursday)
Youth and their parents will need to complete the application form
Selected consultants will be notified by email. We encourage interested students to apply. However, an application does not guarantee admission. Selection is based in part on research needs and on the potential of the applicants to contribute to our research.
- Register by May 15th
- Selected consultants will be notified on May 17th
About the lab
The Learning Games Lab is a multifunctional learning and research space. Our team develops educational games, animations, interactives, and apps and also provides digital technology educational outreach for youth. Ongoing research in the Learning Games Lab informs the development of effective tools and contributes to the larger body of knowledge about digital and interactive media. Each summer, we host week-long sessions in person for youth of various ages.
As part of the lab extension and outreach program, the lab hosts tours for elementary, middle, and high school students. During tours, students can learn about the lab work, engage in hands-on activities, and learn about careers in technology.
If you have questions or want to connect with the lab team, feel free to contact our Games Lab coordinator:
Matheus Cezarotto
Games Lab Coordinator
matheus@nmsu.edu
575-646-5284
Learning Games Lab Toolkit
Scholars, teachers, and developers have shaped the curriculum used in the Learning Games Lab by creating suites of different activities to help youth learn through the game design process. This online toolkit offers free access to the approach, lessons, and activities honed over the past 20 years to engage youth in designing games and learning through that process.
Location
The Learning Games Lab is located in Room 173 in Gerald Thomas Hall. Gerald Thomas Hall is at 900 E. College Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88003.
Parking is available just west of the building at 2900 Knox St, Las Cruces, NM 88003
If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of an auxiliary aid or service, please contact
New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.
NMSU does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, retaliation, serious medical condition, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, spousal affiliation or protected veteran status in its programs and activities as required by equal opportunity/affirmative action regulations and laws and university policy and rules.