Take This opens applications for season two of its mental health-focused mentorship programme

• Backed by Riot Games and Unlikely Collaborators, season two aims to foster inclusion, career growth, and lasting impact across the industry.
• The free mentorship programme offers one-on-one guidance, professional development, and community for emerging leaders in the field.

Take This has relaunched its Accelerate Mentorship Programme to support emerging professionals working at the intersection of games and mental health. 

The initiative is focused on improving mental health research, game design, and community engagement while elevating historically underrepresented voices in the industry.

The first season of Accelerate concluded in April 2025, with all 10 fellows successfully completing the programme and presenting their capstone projects.

Now in its second season, the Accelerate Mentorship Programme offers one-on-one mentorship, professional development, and community support.

Season two of Accelerate is made possible by lead sponsor Riot Games, whose ongoing support has helped elevate the programme, alongside contributions from Unlikely Collaborators, a non-profit focused on transformative storytelling and human connection.

Over six months, Accelerate fellows will meet virtually twice a week for educational sessions, community-building, and project development, exploring the intersection of mental health and game development. 

A shared vision 

Each fellow is paired with a dedicated mentor for personalised guidance on their projects and professional growth. Applications are open via the official website until Sunday, July 27th. 

“Accelerate is a mentorship programme with the power to shape both the games industry and the communities it serves,” said Accelerate programme manager Dr. Sarah Hays. 

“By investing in the next generation of mental health and gaming professionals, we’re helping build a future where both game creators and players are better supported.”

Take This executive director Dr. Kelli Dunlap commented: “I’m so pleased that Riot Games and Unlikely Collaborators share our vision for cultivating a community of professionals who understand both games and mental health." 

“With their support, Accelerate has the potential to create meaningful shifts in how games are made, played, and supported.”