Take This has announced the return of its Accelerate Mentorship Program, a groundbreaking initiative for emerging professionals working at the intersection of the games and mental health industries designed to advance the quality of mental health research, game design, and community interaction within gaming spaces. Accelerate Season 2 is made possible through the generous support of both lead funder Riot Games and Unlikely Collaborators.
Take This has officially announced the opening of applications for Season 2 of its groundbreaking Accelerate Mentorship Program. This initiative, aimed at supporting emerging professionals in the gaming and mental health sectors, seeks to enhance the quality of mental health research, game design, and community engagement within the gaming industry. Applications are open until July 27, 2025, and interested individuals can apply through the organization’s website at takethis.org/accelerate.
The Accelerate program offers participants one-on-one mentorship, professional development opportunities, and access to a robust support network. The goal is to cultivate future leaders who will advocate for mental health and inclusivity within the gaming community. According to Dr. Sarah Hays, the Accelerate Program Manager, “Accelerate is a mentorship program with the power to shape both the games industry and the communities it serves.” She emphasized the importance of investing in the next generation of professionals to create an environment where both game developers and players can thrive.
Entering its second season, Accelerate builds on the success of the pilot program, where fellows made significant career advancements. Participants reported landing new jobs, launching innovative projects, and forming lasting connections with peers and mentors across both fields. The initiative is supported by key funders, including Riot Games and Unlikely Collaborators, ensuring that the program remains accessible and impactful for all participants.
Dr. Kelli Dunlap, Executive Director at Take This, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “With their support, Accelerate has the potential to create meaningful shifts in how games are made, played, and supported.” Jeffrey Burrell, Head of Social Impact at Riot Games, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique work that Take This does in promoting mental health within the gaming community. “Riot is proud to be a part of their mission to create a safer and more inclusive industry for all,” he noted.
The program not only aims to enhance professional skills but also addresses the internal challenges many individuals face in their personal and professional lives. Elizabeth R. Koch, Founder and Chair of Unlikely Collaborators, remarked, “Accelerate gives people space to pause, question the beliefs they’re carrying, and reconnect with what really matters not just in work, but in being human.” The program emphasizes mentorship and community as crucial elements in navigating the often-overlooked internal narratives that affect individuals in the gaming industry.
For more information about the Accelerate Mentorship Program and to apply, visit takethis.org/accelerate.
About Take This: Take This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health in the gaming community. Since its inception in 2013, it has provided valuable education, support, and resources to enhance the mental well-being of gamers and industry professionals alike.
About Riot Games: Founded in 2006, Riot Games develops and supports player-focused games, with their most notable title, League of Legends, becoming one of the most-played PC games worldwide. The company has expanded its reach through various multimedia projects, including music, comic books, and an Emmy-winning animated series.
About Unlikely Collaborators: This nonprofit organization, founded and chaired by Elizabeth R. Koch, is dedicated to transformative storytelling and human connection. Its work focuses on exploring how personal narratives shape perceptions and encourages self-awareness and dialogue within communities.
