“A growing number of students know that computer and video games are the premier entertainment medium for expressing their impressive creativity and innovative thinking,” said Michael Gallagher, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which represents U.S. computer and game publishers. “We are excited to provide these scholarships to help future game industry employees make the dreams that they have for themselves and our industry a reality.”

For the first time, the ESA Foundation’s Scholarship Program will offer scholarships to high school students and full-time students at accredited four-year colleges and universities. The ESA Foundation started the program, now in its third year, as a way to assist women and minority students who plan to continue their education in fields supporting video game development, including graphic design, computer science, animation or programming, digital entertainment or software engineering. Qualifying students may apply online for one $3,000 scholarship for the 2009-10 academic year until May 15, 2009.

Across the country, more than 200 colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning offer courses and degrees in video game design, programming, and art. The record number of programs, found, for example, at Carnegie Mellon University, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Southern California, reflects the growing importance of video games on the economy and culture of the United States.

Scholarship Management Services again will administer the ESA Foundation Scholarship Program. For more information, and to complete an application, visit the official website.