2025 AIAS Foundation Scholars Announced
The AIAS Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), is pleased to award eight 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 2026 D.I.C.E. Summit and 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards show.
2025 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. We extend our sincere gratitude to Mark Cerny for his generous donation to support the AIAS Foundation scholarships this year. This year’s scholars include:
- Sebastian Bolatto, Game Design, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Marielle Brady, Technical Design Intern, Sunblink
- Ziad El-Rady, Game Design, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy
- Yanina Pérez-Masud, 3D Artist, Gnomon School
- Yuning “Anona” Yang, Game and Technical Narrative 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:
- Ruijia Huang, Programmer, Santa Monica Studio
- Ruari Root, Narrative and Game Design, NYU
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:
- Sammy Chuang, Assistant Producer, thatgamecompany
Submissions for the next academic year will open in March 2026 and close May 31, 2026.
Please consider donating to the AIAS Foundation to help support our scholarships here.
Interesting in being an AIAS Foundation mentor? Apply here.