Press Start Foundation FAQ
1. Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Answer:
High school seniors and currently enrolled college students (community college, university, or vocational program) who are passionate about working in the game industry or related creative fields.
2. Do I need to have perfect grades to apply?
Answer:
No. Academic standing is considered, but passion, skill, effort, and dedication are the primary factors in selection.
3. What creative fields are eligible?
Answer:
We support a wide range of creative fields, including:
Game Development and Coding – Programming, design, and building interactive experiences.
Writing – Storytelling, narrative design, scripts, and creative writing projects.
Music and Sound – Composition, sound design, and audio production for creative works.
Art and Digital Illustration – 2D and 3D artwork, animation, and visual design.
3D Modeling and Design – Creating characters, environments, and assets for games and digital media.
Our goal is to empower creators across disciplines who are shaping the future of storytelling, technology, and the arts. If your project blends multiple fields, for example a game that combines coding, writing, and music, you are also welcome to apply.
4. Can international students apply?
Answer:
International students may apply if they currently hold a valid U.S. student visa (such as an F-1 or J-1 visa).
5. How much is the scholarship award?
Answer:
Scholarship awards currently range between $500 and $1,000 per cycle. Our long-term goal is to expand funding so that we can one day provide full-ride scholarships.
6. How will scholarship funds be distributed?
Answer:
Funds will be sent directly to the educational institution, program, or approved vendor on behalf of the student. Funds are not paid directly to students.
7. What materials do I need to submit?
Answer:
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Completed application form
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Personal statement
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Portfolio link or creative samples
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School and contact information
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Parent/Guardian consent form (if under 18)
8. Can I submit work that uses AI tools (like ChatGPT, Midjourney, etc.)?
Answer:
No. All creative submissions must be 100% original. The use of generative AI tools is not permitted and will result in disqualification. Applicants must also provide records of their creative process to verify that the work was completed by them.
9. When will winners be announced?
Answer:
Awardee will be announce one month before the semester they are applying for by email and then thru social media once they have been contacted.
10. Are grants and tech sponsorships currently available?
Answer:
Not yet. Grants and tech sponsorships are planned for future cycles once additional funding becomes available. Stay tuned for updates!
11. How can I donate to support scholarships, grants, or tech sponsorships?
Answer:
You can visit our Donate page to contribute. Every donation helps empower the next generation of creators!