The EGD Collective is a grassroots movement across North America with a mission to help every student finish their education and find their place within gaming. We are a one-of-a-kind leadership development experience that not only prevents students from dropping out or getting academically dismissed, but prepares and propels students into STEM and arts careers within the games industry - or wherever else they want to go. We provide a voice for students and work towards a better world for our medium. While our community focuses on those 18-35 and later-in-life career changers, we welcome everyone regardless of their academic status, age, or career goals. It doesn't matter if you're aspiring to work in the games industry, or just want a supportive community of gamers to assist you through school. **But don't just take our word for it - here's what our community has said about us:** “EGD has opened up doors that I couldn’t have dreamt of... helping me socialize, giving me hope that I actually can accomplish what I want to do in life, and that I can be happy with who I am.” **\- Emmanuel Contreras, Recent Graduate @ CUNY Baccalaureate '23** "I was a lone wolf and had never been a part of a lasting community, but EGD connected me with others. These connections, along with the community’s friendliness and openness to different opinions and backgrounds, allowed me to have experiences that got me to where I am." **\- Oshin Tudayan, Social Media Strategist II @ Riot Games // Long Beach City College '21** "It gives you the resources and the community to push yourself and to allow you to pursue something you may have only dreamed of. I never thought I'd be in a position to have to choose between internship offers, and I have to thank EGD in part for that!" **\- Eva Yan, UI Engineer @ LinkedIn // Hunter College '22** "What I got out of EGD was not only the relationships and friends that I still talk to, but this methodology or thought process… a way of seeing games that's very valuable. EGD made me realize becoming a game developer was actually something that I could theoretically do. I would never have pursued it if it weren't for my time here." **\- Joshua Brancale, Game Developer @ CACI International // Hunter College '19**