IGDA Foundation Next Gen Leaders Program

Focused on improving the inclusivity of game development by addressing the retention of under-represented minorities in the industry, the IGDA Foundation Next Gen Leaders program includes a GDC pass (generously donated by GDC) and travel stipend, two days of workshops and special events specifically designed to help the participants stay in the games industry, an individual mentor, post-GDC discussions, and ongoing networking. The program, which is open to developers with 3-10 years of experience and who identify as an under-represented minority, is designed to provide a range of knowledge, experience, and tools to keep the participants in the industry.

 

 

xbox-2014-stacked-rgb-png-300x268The IGDA Foundation Next Gen Leaders program would not be possible without the generous support of Xbox. Its focus on Gaming for Everyone–making Xbox a place everyone has fun–provides an outstanding example of how inclusivity helps build stronger teams and better gaming experiences. Xbox’s financial, logistical, and volunteer support has been truly invaluable.

 

 

Applications are open through January 8, 2017.

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About the Program:

  • Workshops: The program includes two days of workshops, focusing on topics related to career development and retention as well as supporting inclusivity in game development as a profession and in the products created by the participants.
  • Mentors: Program participants will be matched with individual mentors, specifically chosen for the participant, who will provide coaching throughout the program.
  • Special Events: Participants will be invited to join select social gatherings and networking opportunities at GDC 2017.
  • Ongoing Networking: The Next Gen Leaders program is included in an ongoing initiative to create a network of IGDA Foundation program participants, volunteers, staff, and Board members.

 

Participant Information:

  • Qualifications
    • Successful applicants will have 3-10 years of professional game development experience, and will demonstrate a passion for game development.
    • Priority is given to applicants in an under-represented community who are at greater risk of leaving the industry, including women, people of color (including Latino ethnicities), people who identify as LGBTQ, and people with disabilities.
    • Secondary considerations include a diverse collection of experience and backgrounds, and representation of multiple companies and sectors.
  • Expectations
    • Participants are required to attend and actively participate in all mandatory events, maintain a relationship with their mentor for at least 12 months, write a blog post about their experience, and respond to follow-up quantitative and qualitative surveys about their program experience and ongoing impact. Support for program participant from the participant’s manager is recommended but not required.

Apply Now

 

 

Published by cypheroftyr

Tanya DePass is the founder and Director of I Need Diverse Games, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, which is dedicated to better diversification of all aspects of gaming. I Need Diverse Games serves the community by supporting marginalized developers attend the Game Developer Conference by participating in the GDC Scholarship program, helps assist attendance at other industry events, and is seeking partnership with organizations and initiatives. Tanya is a lifelong Chicagoan who loves everything about gaming, #INeedDiverseGames spawn point, and wants to make it better and more inclusive for everyone. She founded and was the EIC of Fresh Out of Tokens podcast where games culture was discussed and viewed through a lense of feminism, intersectionality and diversity. Now she’s a co-host on Spawn on Me Podcast. Along with all of that, she’s the Programming Coordinator for OrcaCon, she often speaks on issues of diversity, feminism, race, intersectionality & other topics at multiple conventions throughout the year. Her writing about games and games critique appears in Uncanny Magazine, Polygon, Wiscon Chronicles, Vice Gaming, Paste Games, Mic, and other publications.