2022 AIAS Foundation Scholars Announced

---

The AIAS Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), is pleased to award eleven scholarships to outstanding students and early professionals who are dedicating their careers to the advancement of the video game industry. The scholarship winners will each receive $2,500 or a travel stipend to a video games conference, participate in a mentorship program, and are eligible to participate in a professional training and networking opportunity at the 2023 D.I.C.E. Summit and 26th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards show. 

2022 AIAS Foundation Scholars 

The AIAS Foundation Scholarships were established to support aspiring students and early professionals who are pursuing video game industry careers in development or leadership roles. This year’s scholars include:

Maynard Hearns
University of Southern California
Interactive Media and Game Division

Meha Murthy
Activision Toys for Bob
Junior Game Designer

JohnPaul Siml
University of Arizona

Shannon Xie
ArtCenter
College of Design

The WomenIn Scholarships, supported by Intel, are a collaborative effort to attract, retain and advance women in the interactive entertainment industry by supporting their education and professional development. This initiative provides support to female students and early career gaming professionals through its mentoring program, education, and scholarships. This year’s scholars include: 

Erika Salazar Gutierrez
California Institute for the Arts

Shan Jiang
Carnegie Mellon University
Entertainment Technology Center

Sara Runyan
University of Utah

Anna Salieva
Carnegie Mellon University
Entertainment Technology Center

Sarah Slovak
New York University
Game Center

Kris Yu
Gnomon School of Visual Effects
Games + Animation

The Girls for Gaming Scholarship honors individuals who help empower and educate girls and young women on the various roles within the gaming industry with the purpose of driving and normalizing gender diversity within gaming. This year’s scholar includes:

Akshata Nagendra
Striking Distance Studios
Production Coordinator

Learn more about past scholars here. Submissions for the next academic year will open in March 2023 and close May 31, 2023. 

Interesting in being an AIAS Foundation mentor? Apply here. 

Please consider donating to the AIAS Foundation to help support our scholarships here.