The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation has selected Elizabeth Kirby of Redmond as a 2011 scholarship recipient.
Kirby is one of 30 women and minority students across the nation to received a $3,000 scholarship for the 2011-2012 school year. The scholarship will go toward Kirby’s education at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond as she pursues a career in computer and video game development.
“ESA is proud to support the education of students aspiring to careers in video game development. The opportunities created by these scholarships help foster the innovative thinking upon which our industry relies while starting these students on the path to professional success,” said ESA President and Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Gallagher. “As our industry continues to grow and thrive, video game companies across our country increasingly need educated, creative personnel to fill new positions and we are confident this year’s scholarship recipients will be excellent candidates.”
ESA is the trade association that represents U.S. computer and video game publishers and since 2007, the foundation’s scholarship program has provided financial assistance to women and minority students preparing for careers in video game development, including those studying graphic design, computer science, animation, programming, digital entertainment or software engineering. Scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at accredited four-year colleges and universities. ESA awards up to 30 scholarships of $3,000 each annually, with 15 allocated to graduating high school seniors and 15 to current college students.
In recent years, courses in game development have seen a marked increase in popularity. American colleges, universities and technical schools currently offer 343 programs and courses in video game design, development and programming. This vast range of educational options comes at an ideal time for students, as the entertainment software industry continues to show strong growth and an increasing need for a diverse pool of developers to meet consumers’ demands for a wide range of products.
The ESA Foundation was created by the American entertainment software industry to provide opportunities that can make a difference in the lives of America’s youth. The foundation is fully supported by proceeds from their limited edition charity game pack’s sales and “Nite to Unite for Kids,” its annual fundraiser.
For more information about the ESA Foundation, please visit www.ESAFoundation.org.
