SOE Accepting Applications For G.I.R.L. Scholarship

Sony Online Entertainment said this week it is accepting applications for the Gamers In Real Life (G.I.R.L.) scholarship, which aims to bring more females into video game development. Now in its fourth year, the annual scholarship awards the winning student $10,000 toward tuition and other education expenses, according to SOE, maker of online games including EverQuest and DC Universe Online. The winner of the scholarship will also receive a paid internship of up to 10 weeks with one of SOE's development studios. Room, board, transportation and living expenses are not included. The G.I.R.L. scholarship comes from a partnership between SOE and non-profit educational program Scholarship America. "The most recent industry studies show that although a large percentage of the game playing population is female, they make up only about one in every 10 game developers," said Laura Naviaux, VP of global sales and marketing at SOE. Applicants for the scholarship must be enrolled in a video game-related undergraduate program, such as video game art, design, animation, production, programming or visual effects. Entrants also must not graduate before the end of the 2012 spring term. Online applications must be submitted by April 6, 2011, along with two pieces of concept art and an essay to be reviewed by judges. The winner will be announced on or around May 16, 2011, SOE said.