Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is deeply committed to fostering social justice and combating racism on a global scale. This commitment is underscored by the Sony Group’s establishment of a $100 million Global Social Justice Fund, a powerful initiative designed to support impactful social justice and anti-racist efforts worldwide. Within this broader framework, SIE has pledged over $11 million to champion racial equity within the gaming industry and beyond.
A cornerstone of SIE’s Social Justice Initiative is the Playstation Career Pathways Program[1]. This program is strategically designed to bolster organizations and initiatives that are dedicated to expanding educational and career opportunities for communities that have been historically disadvantaged. Our overarching goal is to cultivate a new era of innovation, growth, and inclusivity within the gaming industry, one that truly reflects the diverse world we live in.
Today marks an exciting expansion of this vision as we welcome two new partners to our global Social Justice Fund portfolio. These partnerships will significantly extend the reach of the PlayStation Career Pathways Program, bringing its transformative opportunities to hundreds of Black and underrepresented students. We are proud to announce that UNCF and USC Games have joined our network, establishing scholarship programs directly supported by the PlayStation Career Pathways Program. These multi-year programs are designed to provide comprehensive support – including scholarships, mentorship, and crucial early career guidance – to aspiring Black university students pursuing degrees that pave the way for careers in the dynamic gaming industry.
Let’s delve deeper into the latest developments and partnerships within the PlayStation Career Pathways Program and SIE’s Social Justice Fund portfolio, as we continue our journey to drive meaningful change on local, national, and global levels.
Understanding the PlayStation Career Pathways Program
At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we recognize that a truly equitable future is built upon the foundation of fair access to both education and career opportunities. This fundamental belief is the driving force behind the creation of the PlayStation Career Pathways Program in 2021. This multi-year program is meticulously structured to provide Black students from our esteemed partner universities with comprehensive support as they embark on their journey into the gaming industry. This support encompasses vital financial aid through scholarships, invaluable mentorship from industry professionals, and essential early career preparation experiences.
Each deserving PlayStation Career Pathways Scholar receives financial assistance of up to $30,000*[1], significantly easing the burden of tuition costs. Beyond financial aid, the program provides exclusive mentorship opportunities, connecting scholars directly with experienced professionals within Sony Interactive Entertainment and PlayStation Studios. This mentorship element is designed to provide practical guidance and industry insights throughout their entire college experience, ensuring they are well-prepared for successful careers.
The PlayStation Career Pathways Program is intentionally broad in its scope, supporting students pursuing diverse specializations critical to the gaming industry. These areas include:
- Non-technical Business Areas: Encompassing vital functions such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Communications, Business Operations, and Sales, among others.
- Technical Engineering Areas: Focusing on the technological backbone of gaming, including Software Engineering, Platform Experience, Future Technology Group, Quality Assurance (QA), IT & Security, and related fields.
- Creative Game Design Areas: Nurturing the artistic and imaginative heart of game development, covering Art & Animation, Programming, Development, Audio & Music, Scriptwriting & Storytelling, and more.
We are thrilled to announce the latest partners who are offering scholarships supported by the PlayStation Career Pathways Program, beginning with two outstanding additions:
We are proud to introduce the newly established HBCU Computer Science Scholarships supported by the PlayStation Career Pathways Program, a significant step in expanding opportunities within STEM fields for underrepresented students.
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) stands as the nation’s foremost private scholarship provider dedicated to minority students. UNCF’s core mission is to cultivate a strong pipeline of talented, under-represented students, empowering them to become highly qualified college graduates. They are committed to preparing these students for intellectually rich lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, and active engagement as citizens within their communities. UNCF achieves this impactful mission through three key avenues: awarding student scholarships, providing crucial financial support to 37 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and advocating for local and federal policies that dismantle barriers to higher education.
Sony Interactive Entertainment is proud to contribute to the HBCU Computer Science Scholarship Fund, directly supporting students who are determined to pursue degrees in STEM fields, particularly computer science. These scholarships will be awarded to deserving and qualifying students, helping to pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in technology.
We are also excited to announce PlayStation Career Pathways Program’s support of USC Games’ Gerald A. Lawson Fund, a landmark initiative to increase diversity within game design education.
USC Games, recognized as the number-one game design program in North America by the Princeton Review, represents a dynamic collaboration between the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts’ Interactive Media & Games Division and the Viterbi School of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science. This unique program seamlessly integrates elements of design, artistry, production, and engineering, offering students an unparalleled educational experience. USC Games serves as a powerful launchpad for students to assume significant roles and shape the future of the game design field.
Sony Interactive Entertainment is making a substantial $3 million contribution to the USC Games Gerald A. Lawson Fund. This fund is specifically dedicated to providing crucial support for Black and Indigenous students who aspire to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in game design or computer science at USC’s prestigious program. This generous contribution will provide scholarships for qualified graduate and undergraduate games program students within both the School of Cinematic Arts and the Viterbi School of Engineering, commencing in the Fall 2023 semester.
You can directly support the next generation of game designers and developers from underrepresented communities by donating to the Gerald A. Lawson Fund at http://games.usc.edu/lawsonfund.
Established in 1973 by Rachel Robinson to honor the enduring legacy of her husband, the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) manages one of the nation’s preeminent 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 essential leadership and practical life-skills training.
In 2021, Sony Interactive Entertainment, San Diego Studio, and the Jackie Robinson Foundation forged a powerful partnership, committing $1 for every ‘MLB The Show’ 21 Collector’s Edition sold in the US. All proceeds from this initiative directly fund additional JRF scholarships, further empowering 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 (BUas), located in the Netherlands, offers a distinguished Bachelor program in Creative Media and Game Technologies. This program is specifically designed to prepare students for successful careers within the international AAA gaming industry. The program emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach, delivered by highly qualified and internationally experienced lecturers with extensive industry backgrounds. Students gain in-depth knowledge of concept development, game design, game architecture, game production, game business, and marketing. Furthermore, students can tailor their learning experience by choosing from a diverse range of workshops and lectures that align with their individual interests and career aspirations.
The University of Westminster School of Computer Science and Engineering, located in London, actively encourages its students to explore and pursue rewarding careers in the entertainment, technology, and gaming sectors. Through scholarships generously supported by the PlayStation Careers Pathway Program, over 250 students from 2021 to 2025 will directly benefit from SIE’s commitment. SIE’s contribution provides vital financial support for both undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Westminster. Additionally, it funds UOW’s Computer Games Design Saturday Skills Club, expanding access to game development education for younger students. Learn more about this impactful partnership here.
Manchester Metropolitan University’s School of Digital Arts (SODA) is a state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary institution renowned for its innovative approach spanning diverse fields, including film, animation, UX design, photography, sound design, gaming, and artificial intelligence. Sony Interactive Entertainment’s contribution to MMU will provide over 30 scholarships specifically to support Black, Asian, and minority ethnic students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in creative and digital technology fields. Explore more about the Manchester Metropolitan University scholarship supported by PlayStation Career Pathways Program.
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Social Justice Fund: Supporting Diverse Organizations
Our Social Justice Fund initiative extends beyond universities, providing crucial funding and support to a diverse range of organizations dedicated to education, training, and career preparation across all facets of game development. These partnerships amplify our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable gaming industry.
Here are some of the impactful organizations supported through the fund:
The Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA) is committed to transforming the landscape of the gaming industry by actively engaging Black college students and Women of Color. BCGA aims to empower these students not just as consumers, but as active contributors and future leaders. Their core goal is to prepare students for successful roles within the gaming, esports, and broader technology industries through comprehensive scholarship and programmatic support. Learn more about our partnership with BCGA here.
Black Girls CODE (BGC) is dedicated to creating pathways for young Women of Color to become active participants and innovators in the tech industry. BGC achieves this by introducing them to essential skills in computer programming and technology. The organization is passionately committed to demonstrating that Black girls are not only capable coders but can achieve so much more within the tech world. Black Girls Code is working to build stronger economies and more equitable societies, ultimately unlocking the full potential of democracy through diversity and inclusion in technology. More information about their impactful work can be found here.
The Hidden Genius Project is dedicated to transforming the lives and communities of Black male youth. They achieve this through comprehensive training and mentorship in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. Through their flagship programs, The Hidden Genius Project has successfully introduced nearly 8,000 young men of color to inspiring career pathways and essential skills within their Catalyst and Community Partnership Programs. We announced our support for The Hidden Genius Project in 2021, and you can read more about it here.
Gameheads utilizes the engaging power of video game design, development, and DevOps to prepare and train low-income youth of color, aged 15 to 24, in the Bay Area for fulfilling careers in the tech and video game industries. Through immersive experiences in video games and programming, students learn valuable skills in coding, design, project management, teamwork, and leadership. They also develop their creative abilities by creating interactive projects that tell compelling stories and enrich our world. More information about Gameheads is available here.
Black in Gaming Foundation (BIG) is a dedicated community focused on cultivating, supporting, and promoting Black professionals within the video game industry. BIG is committed to creating opportunities for education, leadership development, and skill enhancement for Black individuals in gaming. In close partnership with the International Game Developers Association, the BIG Foundation focuses on impactful events, informative presentations, and engaging gaming community initiatives that expand their community, develop promising prospects, and increase opportunities for all members. More details about BIG can be found here.
100 Black Men of London is a community-based charity led by Black men, delivering impactful programs focused on mentoring, education, economic empowerment, and health & wellness. Their vision is to be the leading youth and community development organization that uplifts communities and empowers young people to become the best versions of themselves. Recognizing the often-negative portrayal of young people in London’s media, 100 Black Men of London is determined to change this narrative by creating positive examples through positive actions and enriching experiences. More information about their vital work is available here.
The Amos Bursary’s mission is to empower talented young men of African and Caribbean heritage in Britain 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 comprehensive range of workshops and activities for each participant, focusing on four key pillars: Academic excellence and professional development, Motivation and mindset, Opportunities and experiences, and Support guidance and community spirit. More information about The Amos Bursary can be found here.
In2scienceUK is an award-winning charity that harnesses the passion, knowledge, and experience of researchers and STEM professionals to unlock the potential of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. They help these young people progress to degrees, apprenticeships, and fulfilling careers in STEM fields. The program includes a transformative two-week placement working alongside STEM professionals and researchers, providing invaluable insights into STEM careers and research. In addition, they offer inspiring workshops and skills days, providing high-quality information on university and career access, as well as essential employability skills. Learn more about how SIE supports In2scienceUK programs here.
The Prince’s Trust Group is a global network of charities founded by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Their mission is to transform lives and build sustainable communities worldwide, with a particular focus on supporting young people in accessing education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. SIE is proud to support the Prince’s Trust through its ‘Get Started’ program, an impactful education and training program focused on youth and young adults aged 16 to 25. This program helps participants discover their unique talents and provides activities that significantly boost their confidence and skills. More information about The Prince’s Trust can be found here.
Urban Synergy is an award-winning early intervention 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 young people with crucial support, guidance, and encouragement to achieve their very best. Urban Synergy believes that positive role models from all walks of life can make a transformative difference in a young person’s life. In a relatively short time, Urban Synergy has become a dynamic force for positive change within communities. More information on SIE’s partnership with Urban Synergy can be found here.
This expansion of the PlayStation Career Pathways Program and the continued support of our Social Justice Fund represents just another step in our ongoing commitment to making Sony Interactive Entertainment and the broader video game industry more diverse, inclusive, and accessible for all. We invite you to continue following this blog for future updates on our progress and ongoing efforts to build a more equitable and representative industry.
1 *Scholarship amounts may vary by partner and are subject to change. Please refer to partner program websites for the most up-to-date information.
