The ESA Foundation has granted scholarships to 28 students attending universities

Image credit: ESA Foundation

Twenty-eight university students pursuing fields in game development and esports have been granted scholarships by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation.

This year's ESA Foundation scholarship initiative focused on aiding students from underrepresented communities within the gaming sector. The two scholarships offered were the Computer and Video Games Arts and Sciences Scholarship and the Esports Scholarship.

From a pool of 125 contenders, the 28 scholarship recipients were chosen to receive between $5,000 and $10,000 each, intended to bolster their gaming industry aspirations.

The scholarships benefitted from funds raised during the ESA Foundation's annual Nite to Unite event, which took place last March in San Francisco.

Besides financial aid, recipients gain exclusive access to professional development opportunities and networking platforms, along with entry to the next Nite to Unite fundraiser.

According to Anisa Ozalp, a scholar of this year, "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."

She elaborated that for individuals from underrepresented groups in art, design, development, and storytelling, this scholarship is a chance for acknowledgment, support, and celebration.

Since its inception in 2000, the ESA Foundation has issued over 475 scholarships and contributed more than $24 million towards educational and community initiatives to aid "the future leaders, creators, and visionaries of the video game industry."

Sue Madden, the executive director of the ESA Foundation, stated, "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."

She added that the scholarship not only offers crucial financial backing but also opens avenues for Scholars to form significant connections and advance in their careers. Madden expressed pride in welcoming the 2025 class and thanked the Nite to Unite partners for enabling this endeavor.