A new grant to help young developers promote social change

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is partnering with the Black Association for Science and Engineering, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), HHF's Leaders on the Fast Track (LOFT) and others to create the ESA Loft Video Game Innovation Fellowship, geared toward supporting young developers of color to create games which speak to and seek solutions for problems in their communities. The Fellowship will award 20 youths between the ages of 16 and 24. The application is open to young developers of all levels of experience with no restrictions on game format or software used. (However, applicants will have to submit a video in conjunction with their game.) Grantees will be selected based on "their vision, creativity, and potential impact on their community" to create a game that "positively addresses a social or civic issues through technology they are comfortable with." ESA adds that grantees will also travel to Washington, D.C. to present their game concepts to "influencers and policymakers." "At the core of the ESA LOFT Video Game Innovation Fellowship is the belief that using technology for social change is essential to not only the advancement of minority communities, but America as a nation," Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, says in conjunction with the announcement. "HHF, Black Association for Science and Engineering, BK Nation, and others are thrilled to partner with the ESA, and together encourage social innovation among youth on their terms, through technology and video games." Prospective applicants can apply here. Submissions are due by October 1st, 2013. Image source: LOFT Innovation website