Professional esports organization Gen.G has established a $1 million scholarship fund to support the next generation of gamers. Over the course of ten years, the foundation will commit $100 thousand annually, providing support for women, people of color, and low-income college students. Overall, the organization aims to uplift and empower future leaders in the gaming industry.
We need change.
We're taking action & establishing the Gen.G Foundation, a $1M scholarship commitment to further diversity & representation in the gaming industry through education.
Learn more: https://t.co/TQOojDLfZh
Let's change the game. pic.twitter.com/8hHiSODPFO
— Gen.G Esports (@GenG) August 28, 2020
Founded in 2017, Gen.G pushes to become a leader in inclusive and diverse gaming. With the newly-established Gen.G Foundation, the organization sets to provide opportunities to further push the boundaries in the entertainment industry.
The foundation sets to provide support for college-enrolled students especially majoring in gaming, esports, entrepreneurship, journalism or content creation. The application for the inaugural class opens on September 15, and will consist of 10 students known as the “Gen 10.” Chosen applicants will be announced in December. Interested scholars can find more details regarding the application process on Gen.G’s official website.
“The gaming industry has only scratched the surface of developing talented young gamers who can lead the industry’s next generation,” said Chris Park, CEO of Gen.G. “This and future classes of the ‘Gen 10’ will strengthen the diversity and representation that gaming needs to reach its full potential.”
thank you so much, as a poc woman i thank this organization for all the love and support you give us. genuinely the best org out there #geng 💛
— Jaya (@JayaDotNet) August 28, 2020
Plenty of support through partnerships
The foundations first-year partners include University of Kentucky, Eastern Michigan University, Silicon Valley Bank, and Bumble.
Al Guerrero, Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank, shared a few words regarding the partnership. “Silicon Valley Bank has a long history of championing the next generation of innovators, including within esports, and we’re excited to support Gen.G in their efforts to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are top of mind for the esports industry.”
"We are excited to support @GenG in their efforts to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are top of mind for the #esports industry." – SVB's @mexiCALiAL https://t.co/msQzZUn1nt
— Silicon Valley Bank (@SVB_Financial) August 27, 2020
In addition to launching the Gen.G Foundation, the organization recently partnered with Bumble to create the first all-female Fortnite pro team. ¨We’re looking forward to diversifying and empowering the next generation of esport professionals through this partnership,” said Bumble’s Vice President of Marketing Chelsea Cain Maclin.
Although the process is selective, this opportunity will help many disadvantaged students reach their entertainment industry career goals.
