Our Origin Story in TEDx Form
In 2018, Josh Bound delivered a compelling TEDx talk that catalyzed the creation of the Video Game Clubs of America (VGCUSA). His vision was born from the transformative role video games played in turning socially awkward kids into socially active citizens.
Since that pivotal talk, VGCUSA has grown substantially, establishing and supporting thousands of clubs across the United States and in six additional countries around the world. The organization's success is not just a reflection of Josh Bound's initiative but represents a collaborative effort of passionate educators, business leaders, and content creators who are united in their aim to make a large dent in the universe through the power of games.
Josh Bound, he/him
The Director
Fearing that his autistic son would end up eating lunch alone in high school due to a lack of support for socially isolated students, Josh took action by establishing the first VGC at the Career Magnet School in Chambersburg, Pa.
Mark Barlet, he/him
The Nonprofit Guru
The Founder of AbleGamers, and COO of AccessForge. Mark understands the power of friendships made through play. He also brings 20 years of running a nonprofit to the team.
Mega Ran, he/him
The Musician
Random, aka Mega Ran, aka RandomBeats... Teacher, Rapper, Hero, Father, DJ, Author…Guinness World Record Holder! Ran’s game based raps and cyphers are a thing to behold.
Aram Howard, he/him
The Industry Insider
Aram Howard has lived and breathed gaming and esports for the past decade. From working in broadcast production, to partnerships, to some of the largest gaming brands, the power of games to connect people is right up my alley.
Our Board of Directors
bbjess, she/her
The Streamer
bbjess is a Live Streamer who does whatever she wants, whenever she wants! With her unique style of live editing and focus on audience interaction she puts on a one woman show like no other! Her goal is to raise ONE MILLION dollars for charity!
Derek Chung, he/him
The Designer
Derek Chung is the nomnisaur wrangler behind Nomnivore Games Inc. His background in psychotherapy, philosophy and social psychology reinforced his love of shared worlds, ideas and experiences.
Mads McCormick, they/them
The Connections
Mads is a global rights activist, rugby player, and the hardest working person in NYC. They are also a VGC alumni and champion of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through gaming clubs!
Laquinn Thompson, he/him
The Organizer
The Founder of The B.E.A.S.T. Initiative esports/gaming youth program in York, PA, where our mission is to "bring community together through gaming". The BEAST Initiative PUSH is the growing esports/gaming hub for York, PA!
Volunteer Opportunities:
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Content Creators
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Event Planners
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Fundraiser Hosts
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Fundraiser Organizers
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Website and Document Editors
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Social Media Managers
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Collegiate Internships
WANT TO JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER FORCE?
GOT A QUESTION, DONATION, OR IDEA?
HIT US UP AND HELP MAKE A SMALL DENT IN THE UNIVERSE.
Fearing that his autistic son would end up eating lunch alone in high school due to a lack of support for socially isolated students, Josh took action by establishing the first VGC at the Career Magnet School in Chambersburg, Pa.
Josh Bound, he/him
Max Jamelli, he/him
Max is the creator of the tabletop game Lords of Baseball, as well as the resident game master at VGCUSA. Currently, he possesses over 500 board games and loves to talk anything Yankees baseball and old school professional wrestling.
Mike is an avid gamer and tech wizard. Through games he has discovered passions for music, cars, cooking, as well as building lifelong relationships. He is excited to share his experience with the next generation and help them grow through having fun.
Mike Pittinger, he/him
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Mikah was a part of the very first VGC at CMS in high school. He has joined the VGCUSA staff and is working on product and media development to give others the same opportunity he had in school. In his free time he moonlights as a semi-professional streamer and energy drink enthusiast.
Mikah Funk, he/him
Josh has spent over a decade engaging with developers globally as a prominent figure in the gaming industry, discussing game design extensively. Through his platform Game-Wisdom, he enlightens people about video games and game design, supplemented by his authored books on the subject.
Josh Bycer, he/him
Phil is that energetic teacher you always wanted in middle school! As the leader of his schools VGC he encourages kids to hang out after school, raise funds for charity, and eat aas much pizza as possible. He also dominates all of his club members in Madden.
Phil Cote, he/him
Matt Delaney, he/him
The leader of a high school gaming club, Matt spends every Thursday after school connecting kids through tabletop games. He and his students enjoy rounds of Dungeon Mayhem while eating pizza and hanging out.
Rocco is an Euntrepanuer focused on building businesses in the youth sports space. He is the founder of Sweet Rollers LLC and Zoob’s Concessions LLC.
Rocco Zubia, he/him
Jeremy Brewster is an elementary teacher by day who specializes in social emotional learning. In his free time, he enjoys battling his brothers for world domination in his favorite tabletop game, Risk.
Jeremy Brewster, he/him
Jadon Carroll , he/him
Random, aka Mega Ran, aka RandomBeats... Teacher, Rapper, Hero, Father, DJ, Author…Guinness World Record Holder! Ran’s game based raps and cyphers are a thing to behold.
Cadmen loves to get his creativity down on paper through digital art. Currently he is the starting support on his collegiate League of Legends team and really loves Diet Coke and extra toasty Cheez-its
Cadmen Bound, he/him
