EA Offers Female Scholarship to USC Summer Sessions

Electronic Arts and the University of Southern California are co-sponsoring a scholarship specifically for female students applying to the USC Interactive Entertainment Summer Camp. The camp, which is part of USC's summer seminars program, is designed as a beginner-level introduction to game design and development, with no mandatory prerequisites. In order to apply for the scholarship, applicants must have a cumulative 3.0 average and a letter of recommendation from high school faculty to go along with their 250-word "Why I Want to Grow Up and Make Games" essay. The application is open to any female high school junior or senior, in order to ensure a female presence in the summer program; the 2004 class' student body was entirely male, which USC is seeking to change. The recipient of the scholarship will have the entire cost of the four-week camp covered, which amounts to $4,075 for tuition, room and board, field trips, and textbooks. Speaking on EA's reasons for co-sponsoring the scholarship, EA Vice President Steve Seabolt said that "We hope this scholarship not only provides an exciting opportunity for an inspired girl, but sends a broader message. EA wants to encourage girls to aspire for a career building games…and we hope the best and brightest continue their studies and find a future home in the industry." The due date for applications is May 15th; more information on the summer camp can be found at the official USC website regarding the camp.