VALPARAISO | Boys & Girls Clubs of America named Tyler Goodman the regional winner in its 10th annual Club Tech Digital Arts Festivals competition for his entry in the Photo Tech category. Goodman will move on to represent the Midwest region at the national level of competition for the 13-15 age group.

For the Photo Tech category, Boys & Girls Club members were asked to create a poster that showcased citizens engaged in activities that give back to their community or depicts someone who models good character. Goodman's poster creation, titled Building a Safe Place, showcased his creativity and tech skills learned at the South Haven club. The entry will be judged by a panel of national experts.

"Through the Club Tech Digital Arts Festivals we're able to inspire our future designers, game developers, filmmakers and musicians," said Dan Rauzi, senior director of technology programs, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "It is amazing what our kids and teens can do when given access to technology and allowed to express themselves creatively."

Club Tech Digital Arts Festivals allow BGCA, along with founding sponsor Microsoft and Comcast, to give young people an avenue to get creative and design original pieces of digital artwork-from posters and PSAs to stop-motion animation and logos. The competition is one component of the Club Tech program which teaches critical technology skills.

"With Club Tech, members are introduced to the world of clay animation, robotics, game design, digital movie making, photo illustration, graphic design and music production," said Rauzi. "We're giving them real-world skills that will not only help them excel in school, but create a future career."

National teen winners receive an expenses-paid summer trip that includes sightseeing and job-shadowing experiences.