It’s a good time to be a gamer and it’s a great time if you are taking classes to become a game designer. Sony Online Entertainment, with administration by Scholarship America, is currently offering a scholarship associated with its G.I.R.L (Gamers In Real Life) program.
G.I.R.L is a program that is designed to influence more women to get involved in the gaming world. The goal is to get video game designers to develop video games that are more interesting for women to play and to help entice more women to become developers.
One student will win a scholarship worth up to $10,000, which will be applied towards tuition and other school expenses. The winner will also be offered a internship for up to 10 weeks at one of Sony Online Entertainment’s studios (note that room, board and transportation will not be included).
So far two scholarships were offered in the last two years (winners’ names where not given) and both still continue to pursue careers in the gaming industry.
Although the scholarship is geared towards women, you don’t have to be a woman to be eligible. However, since G.I.R.L is aimed at getting more women to play games, the judges will award points in the essay portion of the application towards improving the images of women in games and increasing the interest of women who play games.
Entrants are required to complete an online application along with an existing piece of art and, if chosen as semifinalists, submit two pieces of concept art and one essay that will be reviewed by a panel of SOE judges. Online applications must be completed and submitted on or before February 15, 2010. SOE will announce the winner on or about May 20, 2010.
Eligibility includes:
- Being currently enrolled in an undergraduate program related to video games, including programs related to video game art, design, animation, production, programming, or visual effects.
- Have a 3.00 or higher grade point average (GPA) on a 4.00 scale.
- Continue to be enrolled during the entire 2010-11 academic year, not graduating before the end of the 2011 spring term.
- Be a legal resident of the United States (including the District of Columbia) for the duration of the competition.
- Be at least eighteen (18) at the time of application.
Site [Sony] Site [Scholarship of America]
Photo Source: Scholarship of America
G.I.R.L is a program that is designed to influence more women to get involved in the gaming world. The goal is to get video game designers to develop video games that are more interesting for women to play and to help entice more women to become developers. One student will win a scholarship worth up to $10,000, which will be applied towards tuition and other school expenses. The winner will also be offered a internship for up to 10 weeks at one of Sony Online Entertainments studios (note that room,…