The Entertainment Software Association Foundation (ESAF) is currently accepting applications for its 2013-2014 scholarship program. The program is open to women and minority students who are pursuing computer and video game-related degrees at accredited four-year colleges and universities in the U.S.

"Since its inception, ESAF’s scholarship program has supported more than 140 exceptional students, enabling them to realize their academic and professional dreams while contributing to the diversity of the video game industry," said Jenny Lai, vice president of ESAF, the video game industry’s philanthropic arm. ‘We are proud to continue providing our industry’s future leaders with the opportunity to gain the skills they need to succeed."

Established in 2007, ESAF’s scholarship program awards up to 30 annual scholarships of $3,000 each, providing students with an opportunity to study video game-related subjects such as graphic design, computer science, animation, programming, digital entertainment, or software engineering. ESAF typically awards half of its scholarships to high school seniors, and the other half to students currently enrolled in a full-time program.

Research shows that an increasing number of U.S. colleges and universities offer computer and video game-related curriculum to students. Today, 381 American colleges, universities, art and trade schools offer courses, professional certificates, undergraduate or graduate degrees in video game design, development, and programming.