ESA Foundation Scholarships 2025
Description
The ESA Foundation is pleased to open its call for 2025-2026 scholarship applicants who plan to pursue a career in the video game arts industry.
Twenty-three 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 450 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:
First, you will be asked to complete a general application that asks questions about you, your academics, your experiences, etc.
Apply to the Computer Video Games and Arts Scholarship or Esports Scholarships (or both).
After you select an ESA Foundation scholarship fund to apply to, you will then be asked a few program-specific questions.
The eligibility criteria for each scholarship are listed below. When applying, please be as accurate and thorough as possible. Thank you, again, for your interest in the ESA Foundation scholarship program and taking the time to apply. We look forward to learning about you!
Selection Process
ESA Foundation Scholarship
financial need
pursuing a degree leading to a career in computer and video game arts and sciences
current high school senior, college freshman, sophomore or junior
unique or under-represented voice
enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an accredited four year college or university in fall 2025
U.S. citizen
ESA Foundation Esports Scholarship
financial need
competing on or managing your college esports team/club or confirmed to compete at the collegiate level in fall 2025
unique or under-represented voice
current high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior
enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an accredited four year college or university in fall 2025
U.S. citizen
