The ESA Foundation selected Joshua Mitchell of Pacifica as a 2009 ESA Foundation Scholarship recipient.
Mitchell is one of 30 students across the nation receiving an ESA scholarship, which will help fund his studies in computer science at the University of California at Santa Cruz.
“We are delighted to support these young men and women working to transform their passion for games into careers,” said Michael Gallagher, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers.
“We look forward to these awards enabling them to realize their dreams and become leaders in our innovative and artistic industry.”
Since 2007, the ESA Foundation Scholarship Program has assisted women and minority students who strive to work in the computer and video game industry.
Scholarships are offered annually for full-time study at accredited four-year colleges and universities for students pursuing degrees in array of industry subjects, including video game development, computer science, digital animation, programming and software engineering.
More than 200 U.S. colleges, universities and trade schools now offer video game courses or degrees.
This vast range of educational options comes at an ideal time for students, academia and the entertainment software industry with the increasing need for a diverse pool of developers.
Students interested in the 2010-2011 scholarship program, may complete an application beginning in January 2010 at www.theESA.com/foundation/scholarship.asp.
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 interactive entertainment industry supports geographically diverse projects and programs that benefit American youth.
To date, the Foundation has raised over $10 million for a wide variety of worthy causes. For more information about the ESA Foundation, please visit www.theESA.com/foundation.
