Grants & Scholarships for Video Game Design Majors
Typically, when we think of video gamers, we first think of teenage boys or college kids holed away in their rooms for hours. However, according to Entertainment Software Rating Board, in 2010 nearly 67 percent of all United States households played video games and 40 percent of gamers were female. Video gaming has turned into more than just a hobby for a number of avid video gamers who have turned it into a career. For those interested in video game design, a number of scholarships and grants are available.
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ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Scholarship Program
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Sponsored by the Entertainment Software Association, the ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Scholarship Program hands out 30 scholarships each year to women and minority students enrolled in video or computer game design programs. Each one-time scholarship is worth $3,000, with 15 of the 30 scholarships going to graduating high school seniors and the remaining 15 to current college students. In addition to being a minority or female student, eligibility requirements include full-time status as a student and a 2.75 GPA. Interested students can apply online through the ESA website.
Gamers in Real Life Scholarship
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Created by Sony to increase female interest in video game design, the Gamers in Real Life Scholarship awards one student with a $10,000 scholarship plus a 10-week summer internship with Sony Online Entertainment. Eligible students must be currently enrolled in a video game design program and have a 3.0 GPA. To apply for a GIRL scholarship, students must submit two pieces of original concept art inspired by a specific Sony video game chosen for that year along with a 500-word essay answering that year's two essay questions. The scholarship winner is decided based on the work submitted, plus the student's academic record and community involvement.
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Penny Arcade Scholarship
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Created by Penny Arcade, a Web comic that focuses on video games, the Penny Arcade Scholarship gives $10,000 away each year to one student with potential to impact the video game industry. Students must be current college students enrolled full time, be intending to enter the video game design field after graduation and have a 3.3 GPA. The scholarship winner is notified by written letter in July each year and must submit a written acceptance of the award within three weeks of award notification.
Microsoft Imagine Cup
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The Microsoft Imagine Cup allows student video game designers the opportunity to compete in a design contest for scholarship money. Students can enter in teams of up to four people and must create a video based on that year's theme. Video game ideas can be submitted in one of three platforms including Windows Xbox, Zune/Phone and Silverlight. The competition includes three rounds, with the final round taking place at the Worldwide Finals in New York City. Winners at the final round receive $8,000 for first place, $4,000 for second and $3,000 for third.
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