Roehampton University of London will offer a scholarship, called “Women in Esports” from September 2020, for students who love video games.
The initiative will offer four scholarships to first year students, each worth up to £ 1,500.
The program is designed to increase diversity and inclusion in the eSport industry, as well as “inspiring the next generation” of female eSport professionals.
In addition to the financial incentive, the scholarships will offer students a number of opportunities to accelerate the esports career.
The aim includes a dedicated tutoring program, as well as connecting them with senior professionals.
Roehampton Esports has also managed a number of partnerships to operate in the sector, including Women in Games, National University Esports League (NUEL), Cat Collective, Special Effect and London Esports.
According to the agreements, Women in Games will host weekly eSport sessions for women available only to students, as well as additional networking opportunities.
In collaboration with G-Science, the eSport performance company, the university will develop a “healthy game” program focused on students’ mental and physical well-being.
Both scholarship recipients and students of the University of Roehampton will have access to the Roehampton Esports Arena, a space dedicated to sports on campus.
The deadline for applying for the Women in Esports scholarship is September 1st.
COMMENTS OF THE PROTAGONISTS
Professor Anna Gough-Yates, Provost, University of Roehampton, commented on the scholarship programme in a release:
“We are proud to be engaged and at the forefront of developing talent for an exciting and emerging industry like esports.
Diversity and inclusion are values held to the highest regard at the University of Roehampton and the scholarship is another example of how we implement this into the experience of students and the extra-curricular activities available to them.”
Women in Games CEO Marie-Claire Isaaman added:
“Women in Games welcomes the Women in Esports scholarships as a very positive move to encourage further diversity and inclusion in esports. We also welcome the University of Roehampton as one of our first Educational Ambassadors.”