COMING SOON
Next Level Starts Here.
Programs for Youth, Young Adult, & Career Changers.
518 Game Changers is a Capital Region–based workforce development initiative designed to expand access to high-wage careers in gaming, technology, and digital media.
Our hands-on, gamified learning approach lets students dive into 2D and 3D game design, programming, and interactive media, all while building essential tech industry skills such as IT fundamentals, internet safety, and personal branding.
The Need.
Youth in the Capital Region face persistent barriers to accessing high-paying STEM and technology careers. Many lack exposure, mentorship, and applied learning opportunities aligned with industry demand. At the same time:
Software development occupations are projected to grow significantly over the next decade.
Regional tech wages outpace median wages by nearly 50%.
Employers report ongoing talent shortages and reliance on outsourced workforce pipelines.
Despite this demand, many programs focus narrowly on technical instruction without addressing collaboration, confidence, communication, and community support - skills that determine long-term career success.
518 Game Changers was created to close this gap.
Our Solution.
Our flagship model is a 4 to 6-week, in-person Technical Game Design Accelerator serving cohorts of up to 10 students.
Students progress through three structured phases:
1. Foundations of Game Design & Digital Literacy: Tool onboarding, digital literacy, and team-
based ideation.
2. Applied Development + Collaboration: Coding logic, asset creation, level design, iterative testing, and agile teamwork.
3. Professional Exposure & Showcase: Completion of a portfolio-ready game or prototype, public presentation, and structured career pathway exploration.
518 Game Changers is teaming up with Can Code Communities & Honest Weight Food Co-Op this September for BE THE CHANGE — a whole month of turning spare change into real opportunity for our community.
Here’s how it works:
Shop at Honest Weight Food Co-op anytime in September, and at checkout, choose to round your total up to the nearest dollar. That’s it. Your extra change helps support:
Laptops & equipment for mobile programming
Youth game development programs
Tuition-free seats for our students
Workforce training & mentorship
Community showcases & events
Be the change. Round up. Give back. Help us build what’s next for the next generation.
