Better get to studying, Penny Arcade just announced their first-ever game industry scholarship.

The $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to one hopeful future game industry star at the end of next year's Penny Arcade Expo.

The scholarship, announced today at PAX06, will be awarded to an aspiring student who plans to attend an accredited college or university with the intention of later entering the game industry in some capacity.

To apply applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.3 out of 4.0 and submit their application by Feb. 1, 2007.

The scholarship winner will be selected based on service, leadership, character and financial need.

The meat of the application will be a two page essay that outlines how you will benefit the game industry. Applications will also need to submit two letters of recommendation.

Robert Khoo, Penny Arcade director of business relations, told me that they plan to just write the winner a $10,000 check next year.

I think some big developers (MicrosoftNintendoSony) need to pony up some matching cash. But, hey, it's not my money, so it's easy for me to say.

Hit the jump for the official PAS guidelines. Brian Crecente

The Official Penny Arcade Scholarship and Guidelines
The applications for the Official Penny Arcade Scholarship will be processed between February and
August 2007. We will announce the winner at the Penny Arcade Expo, 2007.
One $10,000 Scholarship for the 2006-2007 Academic School Year
Specific Criteria:
1. Any student attending an Accredited College or University in the US during the 2006-2007 academic
school year
2. Must have the intention to enter the game industry in some capacity
3. Major: Any field
4. GPA: minimum of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
5. Submit verification of enrollment in undergraduate or graduate studies program for the Academic
Year 2006-2007
6. Each Award is for one year. Students must reapply for consideration the following year. No applicant
may receive more than one scholarship award.
7. Any number of students from an institution may apply.
Selection Criteria:
Completed application, required attachments, meet specific criteria [as listed in previous section], and
weighted criteria [weights in service, leadership, character with an emphasis on financial need]
Guidelines:
1. Postmarked by February 1, 2007
2. Complete & sign application
3. Two page [maximum] letter from you including:
a. Information about studies and how you will benefit the game industry and in what
particular field
b. Statement addressing applicant's service, leadership, character and financial need.
4. Two current signed letters of recommendation:
c. Letters of Recommendation must be from colleagues or professors from current study
program, administration, and/or professors who have knowledge of individual applicant
d. Letters of recommendation need to address applicant's potential to make a significant
contribution to the game industry through character, service or leadership abilities.
5. Most recent official college/university transcript [with school stamp, school official's signature, or
embossed stamp/seal] and schools grading system.
6. A photograph to be used for publication of award winners (Photograph will NOT be part of the
selection process).
7. Include name, specific address, & phone number of college/university applicant is attending.

Submit to:
Penny Arcade
c/o The Official Penny Arcade Scholarship
12317 15th Ave NE, Suite 108
Seattle, Washington 98125

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