Second Avenue Learning is proud that Election Edge, our interactive platform designed to supplement middle and high school social studies education, was selected as a finalist in the Serious Games Showcase and Challenge (SGS&C) at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando. We were excited to attend I/ITSEC for a second time, having participated in the SGS&C once before with Martha Madison in 2017: https://sgschallenge.org/and-the-2017-sgsc-winners-are/.

The recognition of Election Edge as a finalist, coupled with its positive reception from the I/ITSEC attendees, demonstrates how educational technology can create meaningful connections across different learning environments. This prestigious conference, which focuses on advanced training and simulation technologies, provided an ideal venue to showcase how interactive learning experiences can benefit diverse audiences.

The Showcase featured numerous innovative projects, including Plastic Pipeline from the Woodrow Wilson Center, which educates users about plastic product lifecycle and environmental policy. CRISP’s PEACEGAME, an artificial intelligence simulation modeling peace negotiation processes, received the Innovation Award.

Since 2006, the same year Second Avenue Learning was founded, the SGS&C has recognized excellence in educational technology and serious games, and a big shout out is due to our friend Jen McNamara at BreakAway Games for championing this showcase for years. This time around, our participation at I/ITSEC reinforced Second Avenue’s dedication to developing purposeful games and simulations that embrace technological advancement, thorough testing, and iterative design to expand educational access and improve learning outcomes.