Why play a game when you can create it? At the NSLC on Game Design, learn how to turn your love for gaming into a career. Immerse yourself in a world of 3D characters, animation, sound effects, programming and game design while you create a new video or mobile game. During the program you will learn the mechanics of game creation, including scripting, level development, lighting, sound effects and programming while using leading industry software.
College Credit is Available for This Program
The National Student Leadership Conference has a unique partnership with American University to offer college credit for our high school summer programs. The American University is distinguished as a premier global university and known for turning “ideas into action and action into service.” As a result of this NSLC/AU alliance, students attending the NSLC’s summer programs for high school students have the opportunity to take college credit classes taught by American University faculty at all NSLC locations. This credit option enhances your education within the framework of your program experience, without interrupting NSLC activities.
Read more about earning college credit through your NSLC program.
Program Highlights
Design your own video or mobile game
Collaborate with a creative team to develop and market your game.
Learn cutting-edge technologies
Explore current and emerging gaming technologies and software.
Meet gaming professionals
Learn from gaming industry professionals, programmers and professors.
Dates & Locations
American University
Washington, DC
- July 22 - July 30
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
- June 27 - July 5
- July 9 - July 17
Design Your Own Video Game
Hands-On Simulations
Your NSLC on Game Design program will include hands-on workshops and lectures. These may include:
- Game Mechanics
- System Thinking & Design
- Unity 3d c#
- Level Development
- Sound Effects & Lighting
- Prototyping
Exclusive Guest Speakers
While at the NSLC’s high school summer game design program, you will meet with and learn from industry leaders, programmers and professors. Guest speakers may include:
Game Designers/Developers
Industry Leaders
Programmers
Artists and Illustrators
Animation Engineers
Game Testers
Work together and learn the latest gaming technologies
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
- Firaxis Games
- Escape the Room
- Capitol Hill
- The Smithsonian Institution
- Baltimore Harbor
- Historic D.C. Monuments at Night
- Amazon Game Studios
- Escape the Room
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Santa Monica Pier
Leadership Training
At the heart of the NSLC is a leadership curriculum designed to build concrete leadership skills that will help you succeed. From the beginning of your program you will learn to work as a team during an exciting Ropes Challenge Course. Interactive lectures and small-group workshops will give you an opportunity to build upon your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
Leadership topics tailored to the Game Design program include:
- Personality Styles and Group Dynamics
- Project Management
- Public Speaking and Communication
- Time and Stress Management
- Conflict Resolution
Your NSLC tuition is all-inclusive. Your tuition covers course materials, housing, on-campus meals, social events and transportation throughout your program.
We offer a comprehensive scholarship program to assist qualified students with the cost of NSLC tuition, based on financial need, academic merit and extracurriculars.
Fundraising is a great way to raise funds to contribute toward your NSLC program tuition while also forging relationships with leaders in your community.