The ESA Foundation Announces 2025 Scholars

28 students will receive scholarships to support careers in video game development and esports

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 7, 2025) – The ESA Foundation announced its 2025 Scholars, awarding scholarships to 28 university students pursuing careers in video game development and esports. Selected from 125 applicants, awardees received scholarships between $5,000 and $10,000 made possible by proceeds from the ESA Foundation’s annual Nite to Unite fundraiser.

The ESA Foundation is committed to championing the next generation of creative and technical talent in the video games industry and broadening the range of voices engaged in making games. Over the last 25 years, the Foundation has awarded more than 475 scholarships and raised over $24 million for educational and community programs.

“At the ESA Foundation, we believe in investing in the future of the industry by supporting students whose ideas and backgrounds will help shape the future of the world of play,” said Sue Madden, Executive Director of the ESA Foundation. “This scholarship not only provides critical financial support—it opens doors for these Scholars to build meaningful connections and grow their careers. We’re incredibly proud to welcome the 2025 cohort and grateful to our Nite to Unite partners who make this work possible.”

This year, students applied to two potential scholarships: the Computer and Video Games Arts and Sciences Scholarship and the Esports Scholarship. Beyond financial support, Scholars will gain access to exclusive career development programs and networking opportunities within the games industry, including attendance at the 2026 Nite to Unite annual fundraiser.

“The ESA Foundation Scholarship not only helps ease the burden of educational expenses, but it also connects you to a community of like-minded, passionate individuals who care deeply about shaping the future of games,” said Anisa Ozalp, ESA Foundation Scholar 2025. “For artists, designers, developers, and storytellers from underrepresented backgrounds, this scholarship presents an opportunity to be recognized, supported, and celebrated.”

Ryan Divan, an ESA Foundation Scholar 2025 and a student at Princeton University, hopes his scholarship will help him be a force for social good in the games industry. Divan is currently working with other Princeton students on EVAL, a platform that connects high school gamers to real opportunities, including game analytics, recruiting events, and resources for aspirants in esports. 

“I want to help make esports a space that opens up doors for people,” said Divan. “The ESA Foundation Scholarship has helped me with these aspirations through providing me with opportunities of my own, giving me the chance to connect within the gaming industry, and supporting my education. I’m a believer in paying it forward, so I want to help others access the same opportunities that the ESA Foundation has given me.

Meet the full 2025-26 cohort and learn more about the ESA Foundation’s scholarship programs, here.

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 from all backgrounds. To date, the ESA Foundation has raised more than $24 million for a wide variety of worthy causes, primarily through its signature fundraising gala, Nite to Unite.