Applications for AIAS game design scholarships are now open
The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) has announced that applications for its video game design scholarships are open, and prospective students can begin applying now.
With the video game industry set to break $100 billion in worldwide value by 2017, the business world can no longer dismiss the medium as simply a toy for children, and neither can the higher education system. Game development requires a wide range of skillsets, including animation, programming, sound design, and numerous other fields. At the same time, it also presents unique challenges that more straightforward industries do not.
Because of the industry’s growing need for skilled game makers in all disciplines, universities across the country have created their own game design programs, but the funding for students to attend these programs has not caught up with the demand. That is why organizations like AIAS have created private scholarships to help talented young video game creators get the education they need.
The AIAS Foundation offers scholarships to four students interested in pursuing game design. The Randy Pausch Scholarship, named in honor of the co-founder of the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University, will award $2,500 to two students interested creative game topics such as “art, animation, programming, engineering, game direction, game design, sound design, and music composition.”
The Mark Beaumont Scholarship, named in honor of a former COO of Capcom North America and Europe, will award $2,500 to two student interested in business-related game topics such as “executive leadership, law, marketing, public relations, and business development.”
Recipients will also get the chance to take part in a mentorship program at the 2016 D.I.C.E. Summit as well as the D.I.C.E. Awards ceremony, which recognizes the year’s best games.
“The power of the Randy Pausch and Mark Beaumont Scholarships goes beyond the $2,500 cash awards,” AIAS Foundation president Don Daglow said in a statement. “The AIAS scholarships give the winners visibility and connections to a wide array of companies in the business, setting the stage for their entry into games industry careers.”
If you are a student interested in applying for one of the AIAS Foundation scholarships, you can fill out an application here.
photo credit: Game Design Open House via photopin (license)
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