{"id":5962,"date":"2026-04-29T16:59:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T23:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mesaforall.org\/?p=5962"},"modified":"2026-04-30T12:29:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T19:29:45","slug":"mesa-for-all-foundations-camp-level-up-thrives-thanks-to-new-grant-continued-community-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mesaforall.org\/?p=5962","title":{"rendered":"Mesa For All Foundation\u2019s Camp Level Up Thrives Thanks to New Grant, Continued Community Support"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Meta Data Center Community Action Grant allows Camp Level Up, an inclusive creative<\/em><em> technology camp for teens with autism, to flourish<\/em><em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MESA, Ariz. (April 29, 2026) \u2014 Mesa For All Foundation today announced it has received a Meta\u00a0Data Center\u00a0Community Action Grant to help fund and expand Camp Level Up, an inclusive creative technology camp designed for neurodivergent youth in Mesa and across the East Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hosted at the Arizona State University MIX Center in downtown Mesa, the three-week summer program, which runs from June 15-July 3, introduces\u00a0neurodivergent\u00a0students ages 13-19 to game design, coding and digital media using industry\u2011standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine and Blender. Campers work in structured, project\u2011based environments to design playable games and digital prototypes while building teamwork, confidence and exposure to future career pathways.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCamp Level Up helps young people with autism see opportunities they might not have imagined,\u201d said Brett Heising, interim executive director of Mesa For All Foundation. \u201cWe are grateful to Meta for&nbsp;supporting&nbsp;the next generation of creators and deeply appreciative of our partners at Arizona State University and the Abbett Family Foundation who bring this program to life for students and families in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since launching in 2022, with continued support from the Abbett Family Foundation, approximately 100 campers have participated in Camp Level Up, gaining hands\u2011on experience in creative technology. Some have even earned micro\u2011credentials through ASU after attending the camp. \u00a0This year, there will be a fabrication and wood workshop and a climbing wall. Mesa For All Foundation aims to expand participation this year so more students can benefit from the opportunity. For more information or to register, visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/na.eventscloud.com\/ereg\/newreg.php?eventid=866803&amp;_gl=1*zzpoc5*_gcl_au*MTg5ODAxMTE2NS4xNzczMDg1ODEx*_ga*NzA0ODE1MTkyLjE3NzMwODU4MTE.*_ga_TEHJR60KD9*czE3NzQzOTY4MDckbzYkZzAkdDE3NzQzOTY4MDckajYwJGwwJGgxMDIyODk3MTQ.\">Camp Level Up 2026.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Programs like Camp Level Up are gaining national attention as education leaders explore how artificial intelligence, gaming and digital media are reshaping workforce preparation. By introducing students to the same creative tools and collaborative workflows used in modern technology studios, the program helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and emerging careers in the digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCamp Level Up demonstrates what is possible when educators, community organizations and industry partners work together to create meaningful opportunities for young people,\u201d said Bola Akinrolabu,&nbsp;program assistant director&nbsp;of The Endless Lab for Games and Learning&nbsp;at Arizona State University.&nbsp;\u201cThrough our collaboration with Mesa For All Foundation, young people on the autism spectrum gain exposure to creative technology tools, mentorship and real\u2011world learning experiences that help them imagine new possibilities for their future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since breaking ground on its Mesa Data Center in 2021, Meta has awarded 80 grants totaling more than $2.4 million to organizations, schools and nonprofits in Mesa, demonstrating its local commitment to driving innovation, creating opportunities and advancing excellence in education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMeta is proud to support Mesa For All Foundation\u2019s Camp Level Up through our Data Center Community Action Grants program. Programs like Camp Level Up, in partnership with Arizona State University\u2019s MIX Center, are vital in preparing the next generation of creators and leaders for the opportunities of tomorrow.\u00a0Supporting\u00a0local\u00a0initiatives\u00a0that foster creativity, collaboration, and real-world learning is at the heart of Meta\u2019s commitment to strengthening our local data center communities,\u201d said David Williams, community development regional manager, Meta.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>About Mesa For All Foundation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mesa For All Foundation is a Mesa\u2011based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Mesa and the East Valley as welcoming communities for residents and visitors of all abilities. Through partnerships with civic leaders, educational institutions, tourism partners and businesses, the Foundation supports programs and initiatives that expand opportunities, reduce barriers and encourage meaningful participation in community life. For more information about the Mesa For All Foundation or to get involved, visit&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.mesaforall.org\/\">www.mesaforall.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Media Contact:<\/strong><br>Brett Heising<br>Interim Executive Director<br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mesaforall.org\/\">Mesa For All Foundation<\/a><br>602.405.9103<br>director@mesaforall.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-image uagb-block-e3a63e92 wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default wp-block-uagb-image--effect-static wp-block-uagb-image--align-none\"><figure class=\"wp-block-uagb-image__figure\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mesaforall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/MESA-FOR-ALL-FOUNDATION-mark-color.png?resize=141%2C118&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"uag-image-4684\" width=\"141\" height=\"118\" title=\"MESA FOR ALL FOUNDATION mark - color\" loading=\"lazy\" role=\"img\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Meta Data Center Community Action Grant allows Camp Level Up, an inclusive creative technology camp for teens with autism, to flourish<\/p>\n<p>MESA, Ariz. 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