Sony Accepting Applications for $10,000 G.I.R.L. Scholarship

Applications are now being accepted for the Sony Online Entertainment-sponsored Gamers in Real Life (G.I.R.L.) Scholarship, an annual award that recognizes women studying in the field of video game production and design. One chosen student will receive a $10,000 prize to be used toward tuition and educational expenses, along with an optional internship of up to 10 weeks at one of Sony Online Entertainment's studios. Participants must be currently enrolled in a games industry-related undergraduate program, including game art, design, animation, production, programming, or visual effects. Each entrant must complete an online application and submit an existing piece of art to be considered for the scholarship. Approximately 40 contestants will be chosen as semifinalists. The final round of judging requires each student to submit two pieces of concept art and a 500-word essay, to be reviewed by a panel of judges at Sony Online Entertainment. Last year's G.I.R.L. Scholarship went to Rebecca Gleason, who is currently studying experience design at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Game Art and Design. The deadline for entry in this year's G.I.R.L. competition is February 15th. A winner will be announced on or about May 20th, 2010.