[CUNY Students] Highest Awards Program Studio Track 2627

Join EGDs playfully professional games industry career prep program with no prior experience required! EGD is a one-of-a-kind leadership development experience that prepares and propels students into STEM and arts careers within the games industryor wherever else they want to go.

This is an in-person college credit-bearing program based out of Harlem open to all current CUNY college students. Recent graduates should refer to our Non-CUNY listing.

This program requires an average of 6 hours per week during both the fall and spring semesters which includes 1 night a week in-person at the City College of New York.

Freshmen (and anyone undecided on their discipline) should consider pursuing the EXP award which feeds into our highest awards.

One Year Tyro Award:
Eligibility: At least 2 semesters and 12 credits of free electives left in the degree program.

Tyro marks a students successful entry into a large-scale studio environment and focuses on exploration of self skills and career direction. Tyros learn the games production pipeline communication norms and how collaborative development operates within a 40 person team.

Two Year Practitioner Award:
Eligibility: At least 4 semesters and 24 credits of free electives left in the degree program.

Students move beyond participation into active ownership of their work and their teams success. Practitioners take on leadership coordination or specialist roles manage constraints and learn to manage conflict.

Three Year Fellowship:
Eligibility: At least 6 semesters and 30 credits of free electives left in the degree program. Those who meet Tyro or Practitioner eligibility may pursue the Fellowship after graduation through a non-credit participation pathway.

Fellowship is EGDs highest honor and emphasizes innovation mentorship and long-term impact. Fellows graduate with experience that goes beyond a typical entry-level profile and are prepared to compete for early-career roles that often ask for prior professional experience.

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Students pursuing EGDs highest awards receive one-on-one academic and career advising support with internship and graduate school applications portfolio reviews up to $500 in fully funded trips access to select CUNY courses with reserved seats and eligibility to earn up to 18 college credits depending on enrollment status and program requirements.

Participants also enjoy all of the benefits of our regular members including access to our 100 textbook library 600 game library study groups and tutoring for relevant classes discounts on software and industry event tickets mental health and crisis support resources and more.

Required Availability:

• Available for 3.5 hours Fridays between 3:00PM-9:00PM ET for both Fall and Spring semesters.

  • There are 4 sections 3:00-6:30 4:00-7:30 4:30-8:00 and 5:30-9:00. Section placement is determined by your skill level and discipline. Accommodations for section placement are only granted in the following circumstances: religious observance documented disability a 95 work schedule parenting responsibilities or a scheduling conflict with a required major course that is offered only at a conflicting time.

• 2 specific weekends will be required in the spring semester (Global Game Jam & Waffle Games).

• There is a required trip component that will be discussed during the interview.

• We will observe winter break.

Additionally you can major in games through this program! Were proud to offer access to CUNYs individualized education programs combined with our support services. Our students graduate from CUNY with an accredited bachelors degree in one of our 16 concentrations. Each student is assigned a career advisor and academic advisor from EGD as well as a faculty mentor and academic advisor from CUNY. Students also have access to our 24hr support line for navigating academic financial and emotional crises- ensuring that you will complete your degree in the shortest time possible even if you transfer later in your academic career.

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Real talk:

Our program is relatively new and were just starting to see the results. Our first students who were with us for all four years of their bachelors degrees graduated in 2022. Despite this weve had students receive internship and job offers from companies like Riot Activision Blizzard Roblox IBM and many more. Additionally some of our students are engaged in exciting activities such as designing games for the government broadcasting for the LCS UX design at LinkedIn and working in game-focused museum exhibits. Weve also had students win awards and monetary prizes for the games theyve developed. As a free program that accepts everyone regardless of skill level outcomes can vary. However we can say that every motivated student who showed up and put in the work found opportunities that fit them! Sounds good Join up!


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