31 Students Win ESA Foundation Scholarships for Games & Esports

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation has officially awarded scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to 31 university students across the United States for the 2026–27 academic year. Designed to support emerging leaders in game development and esports, the funding directly targets underrepresented voices pursuing degrees in interactive entertainment and related STEAM fields.

"Great games and strong esports communities are built by passionate people with fresh ideas, creative ambition, and the drive to make an impact," said Sue Madden, Executive Director of the ESA Foundation, in the press release. "Our scholarship program is designed to help students turn that passion into a pathway toward a future in the video game industry."

The foundation splits its financial aid into two specialized tracks: the Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship for future game creators and the Esports Scholarship for active players and team managers. Alongside direct tuition support, recipients receive mentoring sessions with studio professionals, access to networking channels, and passes to major industry events like the GDC Festival of Gaming, with select upperclassmen receiving a fully supported trip to GDC 2027.

Nationwide Undergraduate Talent Driving Social Impact

The 2026–27 cohort brings together full-time undergraduate students from major institutions nationwide, including the University of Southern California, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Yale, Howard University, Dartmouth, the University of Oregon, and Tennessee Tech University. These scholars are already working on projects with direct social impact, including USC artist Manfred-Lamont Tabe, who is developing intuitive games to help children with speech impediments communicate.

"The scholarship program has helped support my aspirations by connecting me with a community of people who share similar passions and ambitions," said 2026 ESA Foundation Scholar Xavier Gonzalez. "Beyond the financial support, it gives me the opportunity to meet others in the industry, learn from their experiences, and feel more confident in my own path,” as per Gamesindustry.biz.

Gonzalez added that industry backing serves as an essential career catalyst. "Knowing that organisations and individuals are willing to invest in students like me has been incredibly motivating. The program has reminded me that a career in games is not just a dream, it's something I can actively work toward and achieve."

To qualify during the April application window, candidates needed a minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrated financial need, full-time undergraduate status at a four-year US university, and a career focus in games or esports. The selection process placed a strong emphasis on empowering women, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and underrepresented students.

This latest cohort builds on more than 25 years of philanthropic work by the ESA Foundation, which has awarded over 475 scholarships and raised more than $24 million USD to build pathways for underrepresented youth.

The program's financial momentum was further bolstered by the 24th annual "Nite to Unite – Pathways and Portals" fundraising gala. Sponsored by IGN Entertainment, the 2026 fundraiser brought in $1.15M. The funds raised directly support this year's scholarship class while driving broader workforce development, accessibility, wellness, and inclusion programs across the gaming industry.