The ESA Foundation has awarded 31 university students scholarships worth $5,000 to $10,000 to support careers in game development and esports. The program offers two scholarships: the Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship and the Esports Scholarship.
Recipients also receive mentoring sessions and opportunities to attend industry events like GDC Festival of Gaming.
The 2026-27 cohort includes scholars from top US universities such as University of Oregon, UC Berkeley, Stanford, Yale, USC, Howard University, Dartmouth, and Tennessee Tech University.
"The scholarship program has helped support my aspirations by connecting me with a community of people who share similar passions and ambitions," said ESA Foundation Scholar 2026 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."
The ESA Foundation also raised $1.15 million at its annual Nite to Unite fundraiser, sponsored by IGN Entertainment. Funds supported this year's scholarships and also workforce development, accessibility, wellness, and inclusion.
Overall, the ESA Foundation has raised over $24 million and awarded more than 475 scholarships to support underrepresented youth.
"Great games and strong esports communities are built by passionate people with fresh ideas, creative ambition, and the drive to make an impact," said ESA Foundation executive director Sue Madden. "Our scholarship program is designed to help students turn that passion into a pathway toward a future in the video game industry."
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