Back in March we announced our partnership with Gay Gaming Professionals and the ESA Foundation to award two college scholarships for the upcoming school year. We’re excited to introduce you to the recipients of the Dreamhaven scholarships!
Name: Morgan H.
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
University: Rochester Institute of Technology
2021 Year in School: Senior
Studying: 3D Digital Design & Creative Writing (VR)
Biography: Morgan grew up all across the country, mostly in Virginia. They are now living in Rochester, New York to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology. They currently enjoy working together with a variety of students across majors to create unique VR game Experiences. They hope to use their passion for environmental storytelling to work at a medium-sized game studio, then start their own video game cooperative to have more direct creative sway. Their long-term goal is to foster and promote unique minority perspectives in the video gaming industry by being the art-lead of a small video game worker's cooperative. Their favorite video game is Tacoma, because of how well it blends environmental storytelling and intense character drama, while also including minority representation in a mainstream title.
Name: Audrey W.
Pronouns: she/they
University: The University of Texas at Austin
2021 Year in School: Junior
Studying: Game Development & Design Strategies
Biography: Audrey is a native to both the Bay Area, where she grew up, and her birth city of Austin, Texas. She now attends The University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a B.S. in Arts and Entertainment Technologies with a specialization in Game Development and a certificate in Design Strategies. Based off of her experience as a Jam City Intern, she loves being in the video game industry and hopes to continue this path either in the user experience, project management or concept art side of production. Achieving the role of creative director or producer is one of Audrey's long-term goals as it combines the areas of expertise that she is most passionate about. Audrey's current favorite game is Hades because of how the effort of a small, indie studio is reflected wonderfully in the gameplay, art, writing, and sound design.
Dreamhaven's scholarship program recognizes students who are actively performing service or volunteer work for the LGBTQ+ community and attending an accredited four-year college or university in the Fall. The two recipients will each receive $5,000 toward tuition and school expenses along with Dreamhaven mentorship opportunities later this year.
Congratulations to Audrey and Morgan! And a big shout out to all the future game creators who are this year’s GGP and ESA Foundation scholarship winners!
You can meet all of the ESA Foundation winners HERE.
Here are a few links to help jumpstart anyone interested in supporting LGBTQ+ communities and future game creators:
