Apply to be an ESA Foundation Scholar! The program provides a scholarship between $5,000 and $10,000, an introduction to the industry, industry webinars, and access to a network of other industry scholars and opportunities. Additionally, a smaller cohort of upperclassmen will be eligible for consideration to participate in the Game Developers Conference in March 2027 in San Francisco, CA, with travel, GDC registration, and programming provided by the Foundation.
The ESA Foundation is pleased to open its call for 2026-2027 scholarship applicants who plan to pursue a career in the video game industry.
Twenty-six years ago, the U.S. video game industry established the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation. Since its founding, the ESA Foundation has demonstrated the industry’s commitment to improving the lives and expanding the horizons of underrepresented young people by operating programs enabling students, schools and nonprofits to harness the power of interactive technologies.
The ESA Foundation is excited to offer two collegiate scholarships to students we hope will expand the video game industry through play, design, creation and innovation. To date, the Foundation’s scholarship program has helped over 475 students across the U.S. from under-represented groups follow their dreams of earning video game-related degrees or participating in collegiate esports.
In the application that follows, you will have the opportunity to share your qualifications and personal experiences with our panel of industry professionals, who will carefully select the next class of ESA Foundation Scholars. Below is what to expect during the application process:
The eligibility criteria for each scholarship are listed below. When applying, please be as accurate and thorough as possible.
Thank you for your interest in the ESA Foundation scholarship program and taking the time to apply. We look forward to learning about you!
Min GPA 2.5
ESA Foundation Scholarship
ESA Foundation Esports Scholarship