ESA Foundation

05/27/2025

Video Game Scholarship Opportunity! Act quickly as it closes this week.

The AIAS Foundation Scholarship supports aspiring student game makers in undergraduate, graduate level programs, and early professionals (recent graduates within the first four years in the industry), who are pursuing a career in development/leadership in the games industry.

The AIAS Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), has opened submissions for its annual scholarship programs benefiting students and early professional in the video games industry from now until May 31, 2025. The AIAS Foundation, WomenIn, and Girls for....

03/27/2025

Last week, we hosted our 23rd annual Nite to Unite: Pathways and Portals fundraiser, celebrating the power of games to make a difference and honoring Riot Games as our 2025 Champion Award recipient!

Riot Games' Social Impact Fund was recognized for its innovative, community-driven model — raising over $50M for 450+ organizations across 28 regions since 2019. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us and supported our mission to create opportunities for future game makers and empower STEAM youth programs.

03/18/2025

Last day to place your bids on one of a kind video games industry items and experiences! The ESA Foundation online auction closes at 7:45 PM PT today March 18.

Check it out here: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-001C000000p9i6nIAA/events/vevt:135bdc44-a9bc-44dc-8e9c-70ae3b808012/home/story

09/12/2024

Shining light on another one of our 2024 Scholars! Noah Combatir is entering his freshman year at The University of Maryland: College Park this fall. Noah wants to embark on a career in game programming to be able to amplify voices from marginalized backgrounds and represent and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.

For the 2023-24 school year, the ESA Foundation awarded scholarships from 3 funds—in video game arts-and-sciences studies; LBGTQ+ support; and esports—to a total of 26 students attending colleges and universities across the country.

08/29/2024

We're celebrating our 2024 Scholars all month! Today's spotlight is on Aadya Sharma - she develops games from the ground up — from programming, to music composition and writing. Her aim with her games is to positively influence the world by increasing representation and understanding.

Check out her projects at https://adexia.itch.io/ !

08/26/2024

The ESA Foundation is pleased to award 18 talented students and young professionals that will become waymakers in the video game industry! A special thank you to industry members that participated in our fundraising events and our donors for making these scholarships possible.

Learn more about the Scholarships, and ways you can support here:

For the 2023-24 school year, the ESA Foundation awarded scholarships from 3 funds—in video game arts-and-sciences studies; LBGTQ+ support; and esports—to a total of 26 students attending colleges and universities across the country.

08/22/2024

Today, the ESA Foundation announced its 2024 Scholars, celebrating young professionals and underrepresented creators that will become future waymakers in the video game industry.

Learn more about the Scholars 👇

For the 2023-24 school year, the ESA Foundation awarded scholarships from 3 funds—in video game arts-and-sciences studies; LBGTQ+ support; and esports—to a total of 26 students attending colleges and universities across the country.

03/19/2024

Today is the last day to participate in the Humble Bundle for the fundraising event!

We're partnering with IGN and Humble Bundle to fundraise charitable proceeds that will go towards the next generation of video game innovators.

Learn more:

One of Humble Bundle's most recent bundles is the Creative Sandbox bundle and is raising funds for the ESA Foundation along with IGN.

03/15/2024

Don't forget! 🎮 We're partnering with IGN and Humble Bundle for our upcoming fundraiser. Support underrepresented youth interested in pursuing careers in the video game industry!

Learn more:

One of Humble Bundle's most recent bundles is the Creative Sandbox bundle and is raising funds for the ESA Foundation along with IGN.

03/12/2024

We're just one week away from our 22nd on 3/19 at Westin St. Francis in SF! Network, fundraise, and celebrate our important mission of supporting opportunities for underrepresented youth in the video games industry.

Tickets are still available here:

03/08/2024

We're thrilled to partner with IGN and Humble Bundle for our upcoming fundraising event, supporting DEI and underrepresented youth gain opportunities in the video game industry.

Join us in this incredible initiative where video games meet giving back! Your support helps us provide scholarships, grants, and mentorship programs to empower the next generation of talent 🎮. 100% of proceeds will be donated to the Foundation.

Learn more:

One of Humble Bundle's most recent bundles is the Creative Sandbox bundle and is raising funds for the ESA Foundation along with IGN.

03/28/2022

In case you haven't seen it already, our executive director, Anastasia Staten, contributed an essay to Mediaplanet's series about empowering the next generation of women and minority video game creators. Check it out!

ESA knows the future of gaming is diverse, and its programming and mission is directed toward giving more opportunities to those who want to make their mark on it.