The ESA Foundation Opens 2025-26 Scholarship Applications

Young gamemakers can apply for two types of scholarships until April 30, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 1, 2025) – The ESA Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications from high school seniors and undergraduate students aspiring to build a career in the video game industry. Qualified applicants have until April 30, 2025, to submit their applications.

This year, the organization is offering two types of scholarships including the Computer and Video Games Arts and Sciences Scholarship and the Esports Scholarship. The scholarships support students in need and inspire future creators in the video game industry, encouraging the pursuit of careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM).

“The ESA Foundation believes that differing perspectives fuel innovation in the video game industry and that has been our mission for the last 18 years,” said ESA Foundation Lead Sue Madden. “By providing scholarships to talented students, we’re investing in the next generation of creators who will shape the future of gaming.”

Since the ESA Foundation’s inception in 2007, its scholarship program has helped over 450 women and underrepresented students across the U.S. pursue their dreams of earning video game-related degrees or participating in collegiate esports. In addition to receiving scholarship funds, awardees are offered opportunities to attend educational and professional events to network with game developers, participate in internships, and meet industry leaders.

“I see games as a great opportunity to represent all kinds of different lifestyles and experiences, and as a chance for these untold stories to finally be shared through interactive media,” said 2024 Scholar Alumni Cathelina Zhan, who is currently using her scholarship to further her studies in Game Development and Interactive Design at the University of Southern California.

To date, the ESA Foundation has provided more than $23 million for youth STEAM programs. At this year’s annual fundraiser Nite to Unite, the foundation raised $1.25 million to support the scholarship program and charitable organizations.

Apply for the 2025-26 ESA Foundation scholarships here. Applications are open until April 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.

About the ESA Foundation
The ESA Foundation awards scholarships to the next generation of industry innovators and supports schools and nonprofits that leverage interactive entertainment technology to create meaningful STEAM opportunities for America’s youth. It seeks to harness the power of the video game industry to create positive social impact and supports geographically diverse projects and programs benefitting grantees of all ages, races and genders. To date, the ESA Foundation has raised more than $23 million for a wide variety of worthy causes, primarily through its signature fundraising gala, Nite to Unite.

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