Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 G.I.R.L. Scholarship to helpeducate and recruit more women into the field of video game production anddesign. Sponsored by Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), a global leader inonline gaming, and administered by Scholarship America, a leadingnon-profit educational support program, applications are available a thttps://www.scholarshipamerica.org/gamersinreallife and more details, including official rules for entry are also available online at http://www.station.sony.com/girl/.

"The past two G.I.R.L. Scholarship recipients were sucha valued addition to our team that we are thrilled to offer this program for thethird consecutive year," said Laura Naviaux, Vice President of Global Sales andMarketing, Sony Online Entertainment."Our goal isto continue to encourage and reward womenwho share our commitment andpassion for developing cutting edge online games for all demographicgroups."

One skilled student will win up to $10,000 to be appliedtoward tuition and other educational expenses at the school at which the studentis currently enrolled, and an optional internship of up to 10 weeks at one ofSony Online Entertainment's studios (room, board, transportation and livingexpenses not included).

To be eligible to participate, entrants must becurrently enrolled in an undergraduate program related to videogames,includingvideo game art, design, animation, production, programming or visualeffects,must not graduate before theend of the 2011 spring term and must comply with the program's official rules.Entrants are required to complete an online application along with an existingpiece of art, and if chosen as semifinalists, submit two pieces of concept artand one essay that will be reviewed by a panel of SOE judges. Onlineapplications must be completed and submitted on or before February 15, 2010. SOEwill announce the winner on or about May 20, 2010.

For more information about the G.I.R.L. Scholarshipprogram, please visit http://www.station.sony.com/girl/.