Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is reaffirming its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the gaming industry through the continued expansion of the Playstation Career Pathways Program. Born from Sony Group’s $100 million Global Social Justice Fund, SIE has dedicated over $11 million to initiatives that champion race equity, both within and beyond the world of gaming. The PlayStation Career Pathways Program stands as a cornerstone of this commitment, actively working to create educational and career opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. The overarching goal is ambitious yet vital: to usher in a new era of innovation, development, and growth within the gaming sector, one that is richly diverse and truly representative of the global community it serves.
We are thrilled to announce the addition of two distinguished partners to our Social Justice Fund portfolio: the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and USC Games. These collaborations will extend the reach of the PlayStation Career Pathways Program, providing invaluable support to hundreds of Black and underrepresented students as they pursue their dreams in the gaming industry. Through multi-year programs encompassing scholarships, mentorship, and crucial early career support, we are investing in the future leaders of gaming.
This article will provide an update on the progress of the PlayStation Career Pathways Program, highlighting our partnerships and underscoring SIE’s broader Social Justice Fund portfolio as we collectively strive to drive meaningful change at local, national, and global levels.
Building Equitable Futures: The PlayStation Career Pathways Program
At the heart of the PlayStation Career Pathways Program lies a fundamental belief: a truly equitable future is built upon the foundation of fair access to education and career opportunities. Launched in 2021, the program is specifically designed to dismantle barriers and create pathways for Black students from partner universities to excel in the gaming industry. Through comprehensive, multi-year support, the program offers not just financial assistance, but also vital mentorship and early career preparation.
Each PlayStation Career Pathways Scholar is awarded up to $30,000* to support their educational journey. Beyond financial aid, the program provides unparalleled access to mentorship from professionals within Sony Interactive Entertainment and PlayStation Studios. This mentorship component is crucial, offering scholars invaluable guidance and real-world insights throughout their college experience, preparing them for successful careers post-graduation.
The PlayStation Career Pathways Program is strategically designed to support students pursuing diverse roles within the gaming ecosystem, encompassing:
- Non-Technical Business Areas: Opportunities abound in crucial business functions such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Communications, Business Operations, and Sales.
- Technical Engineering Areas: The program supports aspiring engineers in fields vital to gaming technology, including Software Engineering, Platform Experience, Future Technology Group, QA, IT & Security, and more.
- Creative Game Design Areas: For those with a passion for game creation, the program fosters talent in Art & Animation, Programming, Development, Audio & Music, Scriptwriting & Storytelling, and related creative disciplines.
We are proud to present our expanding network of partners who are offering scholarships supported by the PlayStation Career Pathways Program. We begin by spotlighting our newest collaborations:
We are excited to introduce the HBCU Computer Science Scholarships, newly established and supported by the PlayStation Career Pathways Program.
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) stands as the nation’s foremost private scholarship provider for minority students. Their mission is clear: to cultivate a strong pipeline of underrepresented students, empowering them to become highly qualified college graduates ready for impactful careers and engaged citizenship. UNCF achieves this through a multifaceted approach: awarding scholarships, providing financial support to 37 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and advocating for policies that remove barriers to higher education.
Sony Interactive Entertainment is proud to contribute to the HBCU Computer Science Scholarship Fund, directly supporting students dedicated to pursuing degrees in STEM fields, particularly computer science. These scholarships will be awarded to deserving and qualified students, helping to pave the way for a more diverse tech workforce.
We are thrilled to announce the PlayStation Career Pathways Program’s support of USC Games’ Gerald A. Lawson Fund.
USC Games, consistently recognized as the top game design program in North America by the Princeton Review, is a dynamic collaboration between the School of Cinematic Arts’ Interactive Media & Games Division and the Viterbi School of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science. Offering a unique educational blend of design, artistry, production, and engineering, USC Games serves as a launchpad for students to become influential figures in the game design industry.
Sony Interactive Entertainment is committing $3 million to the USC Games Gerald A. Lawson Fund. This significant contribution will provide crucial support for Black and Indigenous students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in game design or computer science within USC’s prestigious program. Scholarships will be available to qualifying graduate and undergraduate students in both the School of Cinematic Arts and the Viterbi School of Engineering, beginning in the Fall 2023 semester.
You can contribute to the future of game design and development by supporting talented students from underrepresented communities. Donate to the Gerald A. Lawson Fund by visiting http://games.usc.edu/lawsonfund.
Established in 1973 by Rachel Robinson to honor the legacy of her husband, the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) manages one of the nation’s premier scholarship and leadership development programs for minority college students. JRF Scholars benefit from a comprehensive program encompassing career guidance, internship and career placement support, and leadership and practical life-skills training.
In 2021, Sony Interactive Entertainment, San Diego Studio, and the Jackie Robinson Foundation joined forces, committing $1 for every ‘MLB The Show’ 21 Collector’s Edition sold in the US. All proceeds directly fund additional JRF scholarships, supporting students in their pursuit of academic and career excellence. Learn more about the Jackie Robinson Foundation ‘MLB The Show’ Scholarship supported by PlayStation Career Pathways Program.
Breda University of Applied Sciences, through its Creative Media and Game Technologies Bachelor program, prepares students for thriving careers in the international AAA gaming industry. The program emphasizes practical learning, delivered by highly qualified international lecturers with extensive industry experience. Students gain expertise in concept development, game design, game architecture, game production, game business, and marketing, with opportunities to personalize their learning through workshops and lectures aligned with their interests and goals.
The University of Westminster School of Computer Science and Engineering actively encourages students to explore careers in the dynamic entertainment, technology, and gaming sectors. Through scholarships supported by the PlayStation Careers Pathway Program, over 250 students will benefit from SIE’s contribution between 2021 and 2025. SIE’s commitment provides financial support for University of Westminster undergraduates and postgraduates, and funds the UOW’s Computer Games Design Saturday Skills Club. Discover more about this partnership here.
Manchester Metropolitan University’s School of Digital Arts is a leading interdisciplinary institution renowned for innovation across film, animation, UX, design, photography, sound design, gaming, and artificial intelligence. Sony Interactive Entertainment’s contribution will provide over 30 scholarships to support Black, Asian, and minority ethnic students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in creative and digital technology fields. Learn more about the Manchester Metropolitan University scholarship supported by PlayStation Career Pathways Program.
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Social Justice Fund: A Broader Impact
Our Social Justice Fund initiative extends beyond the Career Pathways Program, providing vital funding and support to a range of organizations and universities dedicated to education, training, and career readiness across all facets of game development.
Here are some of the organizations that have received support through the fund:
The Black Collegiate Gaming Association’s (BCGA) mission is to empower Black and Women of Color college students to become active contributors, not just consumers, within the gaming industry. BCGA prepares students for roles in gaming, esports, and technology through scholarships and comprehensive programmatic support. Learn more about our partnership here.
Black Girls Code is dedicated to building pathways for young Women of Color to become creators and builders in the tech world. By introducing them to computer programming and technology skills, Black Girls Code is proving that Black girls can code and achieve limitless potential. The organization is committed to fostering stronger economies and more equitable societies through diversity and inclusion. More information here.
The Hidden Genius Project empowers and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills, transforming their lives and communities. Through their impactful programming, The Hidden Genius Project has introduced nearly 8,000 young people of color to inspiring career pathways and essential skills. We announced our support in 2021, details available here.
Gameheads utilizes video game design, development, and DevOps to engage and prepare low-income youth of color, ages 15 to 24 in the Bay Area, for careers in the tech and video game industries. Through game creation and programming, students develop coding, design, project management, teamwork, leadership, and storytelling skills. More information here.
Black in Gaming Foundation (BIG) is a community dedicated to cultivating, supporting, and promoting Black professionals within the video game industry. BIG creates opportunities for education, leadership, and skill development for Black individuals in gaming. In partnership with the International Game Developers Association, the BIG Foundation focuses on events, presentations, and community engagements that foster growth, development, and increased opportunities for all members. More information here.
100 Black Men of London is a community-based charity led by Black men, delivering programs focused on mentoring, education, economic empowerment, and health & wellness. Their vision is to be the leading youth and community development organization, uplifting the community and empowering young people to reach their full potential. 100 Black Men of London actively counters negative narratives surrounding young people through positive actions and experiences. More information here.
The Amos Bursary’s mission is to support talented young men of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK to fulfill their academic potential, attend leading universities, and secure professional careers where they can excel and contribute back to society. The Amos Bursary offers a range of workshops and activities centered on academic excellence, professional development, motivation, mindset, opportunities, experiences, support, guidance, and community spirit. More information here.
In2scienceUK is an award-winning charity connecting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with STEM professionals to unlock their potential in STEM degrees, apprenticeships, and careers. The program includes two-week placements with STEM professionals, workshops, and skills days, providing high-quality information on university access and employability skills. Learn more about SIE’s support for their programs here.
The Prince’s Trust Group is a global network of charities founded by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, focused on transforming lives and building sustainable communities worldwide. SIE supports the Prince’s Trust through its ‘Get Started’ program, an education and training initiative for young people aged 16 to 25, designed to help them discover their talents, build confidence, and develop essential skills. More information here.
Urban Synergy is an award-winning mentoring charity that empowers over 1,000 young people aged 9 to 24 to reach their full potential through outcome-focused mentoring programs and inspirational seminars. These programs provide support, guidance, and encouragement to help young people achieve their best. Urban Synergy believes in the transformative power of role models from all walks of life. More information on SIE’s partnership here.
This is a significant step forward, and we remain dedicated to making Sony Interactive Entertainment and the broader video game industry more diverse, inclusive, and accessible. Continue to follow our blog for ongoing updates on our progress and future initiatives.
