ESA Foundation LGBTQ Scholarship names its first three recipients
For the first time in the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation‘s history, the ESA Foundation has launched a scholarship specifically aimed at helping LGBTQ students which is co-awarded by Gay Gaming Professionals. The scholarship is a bolt on to their main ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts Scholarships.
The ESA Foundation’s scholarship fund exists to support women and minority students across the US. Since 2007, this program has awarded nearly 400 scholarships, to power the dreams of students earning a computer science or video game arts-related degree.
“We’re proud to team up with GGP and expand our commitment to create a more diverse and socially engaged workforce,” says Anastasia Staten, executive director of the ESA Foundation.
“This is a joyful discovery of how amazing these young people are, the contributions they are making outside of their academic work, to make their world better,” Gordon Bellamy, president and CEO of GGP, adds.
Bellamy, an industry legend with a 20-year career spanning game design, industry executive, and now a professor at the University of Southern California, explains the decision to start GGP, it’s rapid growth and success: “There was a time we couldn’t talk openly about those issues, [and now] we’re working directly with big companies. Our Facebook group has 1,900 members and we’re giving out scholarships. We are truly serving and showing we are of value.”
Meet the winners
Audrey Webb – Freshman, University of Texas-Austin
Meha Magesh – Sophomore, University of Southern California
Steven Harmon – Junior, University of Southern California
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