ESA Foundation esports Scholarship

Program Status: Active (launched 2020-21 academic year)

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas:

• Esports competition
• Academic support for collegiate esports competitors
• Increasing representation of women and minorities in esports

Target Audience:

• Women college students competing on esports teams
• Minority college students competing on esports teams
• Students at accredited four-year institutions in the United States with varsity or competitive esports programs

Program Overview:
The ESA Foundation's esports scholarship was introduced for the first time in the 2020-21 academic year to address a significant gap in esports funding. While the National Association of Collegiate Esports estimates that over $16 million in esports college scholarships have been awarded since 2016, women and minority students account for a disproportionately low percentage of recipients. This scholarship aims to change that by providing academic support for women and minorities competitively gaming through their U.S. colleges and universities.

Why This Scholarship:
Esports has quickly become one of the most popular forms of entertainment, yet women and minorities remain significantly underrepresented among scholarship recipients. The ESA Foundation is committed to expanding access and opportunity in this rapidly growing field.

Benefits:

• Financial scholarship support
• Networking opportunities with esports industry professionals
• Access to educational sessions and resources
• Opportunities to meet industry leaders

Application Process

Application Deadline: Typically March 2 annually at 11:59 PM PST (specific dates vary by year)

Timeline:

• Application period opens in January
• Deadline: March 2 (check website for current year)
• Applicants notified of selection results: Mid-June
• Funds disbursed: August

How to Apply:

1. Visit the ESA Foundation esports Scholarship application portal
2. Complete the online application form
3. Submit all required materials before the deadline

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be competing on an esports team at an accredited four-year U.S. institution
• Must identify as a woman or minority student
• Must be enrolled as a full-time student

Required Materials:

• Academic records
• Essay/personal statement describing your esports experience and goals
• Letters of recommendation
• Proof of varsity or competitive esports team membership
• Demonstrated commitment to academic and competitive excellence

Contact & Support:

• For FAQs and technical support, visit ESA Foundation website
• Contact ESA Foundation directly for questions