EGD Collective

Description

The EGD Collective is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to removing barriers in games communities and making the industry a more accessible academic and career opportunity for all. EGD supports casual gaming communities, as well as aspiring and early-career games professionals by providing free events, educational programming, and support systems to help students navigate through academic, financial, and emotional crises - ensuring students can complete their education and are prepared to establish healthy workplace boundaries in whichever field they choose. In 2020, EGD was awarded the inaugural AnyKey Changemakers Grant sponsored by ESL and the US Air Force for our efforts involving diversity, equity, and inclusion in gaming.

EGD was founded in 2016 as a student organization at Hunter College in NYC, and quickly grew to serve over 2500 students annually. In 2019, EGD went national, and we incorporated in 2021. In the past 2 years, we have saved 36 students from dropping out or getting academically dismissed from college, and have provided over 700 students with crisis support resources. Our fellowship programs in esports management and game development attract over 50 students each year, that prepare them for the games industry. In fact, 17 of our alumni have credited EGD as the reason they have their current job, internship, or academic opportunity! Students also have a true voice in the organization, with voting privileges at the annual general meeting.