31 students will receive scholarships to support careers in video game development and esports
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 22, 2026) – This month the ESA Foundation awarded scholarships to 31 university students pursuing careers in video game development and esports. The 2026 Scholars are part of the Foundation’s commitment to improving the lives and expanding opportunities for the next generation of creative and technical professionals, while expanding diversity in the video game industry.
For over 25 years, the ESA Foundation has awarded more than 475 scholarships and raised over $24 million to support educational and community initiatives for underrepresented young professionals.
“Great games and strong esports communities are built by passionate people with fresh ideas, creative ambition, and the drive to make an impact,” said Sue Madden, executive director of the ESA Foundation. “Our scholarship program is designed to help students turn that passion into a pathway toward a future in the video game industry.”
In efforts to expand the video game industry through play, design, creation, and innovation, the foundation offers applicants two scholarships: the Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship and the Esports Scholarship. Awardees receive valuable benefits, including mentoring sessions, networking opportunities, and access to key industry events, such as the Game Developers Conference.
“I want to create games that leave a lasting impact on people, the same way they affected me growing up. The scholarship program has helped support my aspirations by connecting me with a community of people who share similar passions and ambitions,” Xavier Gonzalez, ESA Foundation Scholar 2026, said. “Beyond the financial support, it gives me the opportunity to meet others in the industry, learn from their experiences, and feel more confident in my own path. Knowing that there are organizations and individuals willing to invest in students like me has been incredibly motivating. The program has reminded me that a career in games is not just a dream, it’s something I can actively work toward and achieve.”
Manfred-Lamont Tabe, ESA 2026 scholar and University of Southern California (USC) student, aspires to help children with speech impediments by creating games that make learning more intuitive. Tabe is currently working as a 2D artist on a Beat’em up game created in collaboration with USC students in the university’s games division.
“My goal is to design games that make learning more intuitive and empowering, especially for students who struggle with communication,” said Tabe. “By combining game design with scientific thinking, I hope to create tools that not only teach but also inspire confidence, showing how interactive worlds can spark real‑world growth. The ESA Foundation Scholarship program not only supports my education but also connects me to a community of creators who share my commitment to shaping a more inclusive future for gaming.”
This year, the ESA Foundation celebrated its 24th annual Nite to Unite ‘Pathways and Portals’ fundraiser, raising an additional $1.15 million to support its grants and scholarships initiatives to inspire future creators and motivate students to harness video games for social good. The program provides students with scholarships worth between $5,000 and $10,000.
“The ESA Foundation is constantly inspired by the young professionals bringing new perspectives to the video games industry,” Madden said. “Our scholarship programs don’t just provide financial support; they open new opportunities, foster mentorship, and help students find the skills and confidence they need to make their mark in the industry.”
Meet the full 2026-27 cohort and learn more about the ESA Foundation’s scholarship programs here.
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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 benefiting 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.
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