Twenty-five years ago, the video game industry’s pioneers created the ESA Foundation to showcase the many ways software technologies can help address social and global issues. Since then, the Foundation has supported programs that harness the power of video games to benefit students, schools, and charities, with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of America’s youth and setting them on the path to productive and fruitful careers.
ESA Foundation Scholarships 2026-2027
Introduction
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.
Description
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:
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 for your interest in the ESA Foundation scholarship program and taking the time to apply. We look forward to learning about you!
Qualifications
Min GPA 2.5
Selection Process
ESA Foundation Scholarship
financial need
woman, nonbinary or gender nonconforming or economically disadvantaged
pursuing a degree leading to a career in computer and video game arts and sciences
college freshman-senior for year 2026-2027
unique or under-represented voice
enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an accredited four-year college or university in fall 2026
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 2026
unique or under-represented voice
college freshman-senior for year 2026-2027
enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an accredited four-year college or university in fall 2026
U.S. citizen