adminESA Foundation scholarships are supporting 31 university students preparing for careers in game development and esports. Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000, while mentoring and industry event opportunities provide additional support as recipients explore career paths.
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ESA Foundation scholarships and program support
The program includes two award categories: the Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship and the Esports Scholarship. Together, they support students pursuing different areas of the games industry. Recipients can also take part in mentoring sessions and attend events such as GDC Festival of Gaming.
For students considering similar opportunities, it is useful to review each scholarship category carefully and prepare application materials that clearly explain their studies and career goals. Applicants should check current program information for eligibility requirements, deadlines and any required documents, since these details can vary between award cycles.
Students represent universities across the United States
The 2026–27 cohort includes students from universities across the country. Named institutions include the University of Oregon, UC Berkeley, Stanford, Yale, the University of Southern California, Howard University, Dartmouth and Tennessee Tech University.
Scholar Xavier Gonzalez said the program has helped connect him with people who share his interests and ambitions. He also described the financial assistance, industry connections and opportunity to learn from others as sources of confidence and motivation. His comments reflect how scholarships can offer more than tuition support: access to a community and exposure to professional perspectives can also help students plan their next steps.
Fundraising supports scholarships and workforce development
The ESA Foundation raised $1.15 million at its annual Nite to Unite fundraiser, sponsored by IGN Entertainment. The proceeds supported this year’s scholarships as well as work related to workforce development, accessibility, wellness and inclusion.
Across its history, the foundation has raised more than $24 million and awarded over 475 scholarships to support underrepresented youth. The figures show the scale of its ongoing investment in students and industry development. For people exploring a career in games or esports, funding and mentorship can both be important; researching a range of scholarship programs may help identify support that fits a student’s field of study.
Building pathways into games and esports careers
ESA Foundation executive director Sue Madden said the scholarship program aims to help students turn their interest in games into a pathway toward work in the video game industry. She highlighted the value of passionate people, new ideas and creative ambition in games and esports communities.
ESA Foundation scholarships combine financial awards with mentoring and opportunities to connect with industry events. Students interested in applying should confirm the latest program details and consider how their academic interests align with the available scholarship categories.
