Sony Online Entertainment is handing out $10,000 in scholarship money to a student who want to use his or her talents in videogame design to "improve the image of women within video games."
The G.I.R.L. (Gamers in Real Life) Game Design competition, which begins today and closes April 15th, was created in response to a survey in which 62 percent of respondents said that male dominance in the videogame industry was a deterrent to women pursuing a career in gaming. Despite that fact (and the scholarship's name), both men and women are invited to apply.
To enter, applicants must submit three pieces of concept art, and a 500-word essay explaining them. Applicants must also submit another 500-word essay detailing not only why they want to be in the videogame industry, but also how they "could facilitate the creation of games that more women will play."
The winner of the scholarship will receive $10,000 in tuition, as well as a 10-week internship at one of Sony Online Entertainment's studios. To be eligible, an applicant must currently be enrolled at an Art Institute and have a graduation date of June 2009 or later.
