The Washington Interactive Network (WIN) which started in 2004 as a program inside the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County to promote, nurture, and grow the Interactive Media industry in our state, has announced (1) $10,000 and two (2) $5,000 scholarships to be awarded to women or minorities pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in Interactive Media Development, Computer Science and Engineering, or Game Design.
WIN currently runs the REACTOR Accelerator, Interactive Media Education and Internship Program, the Interactive Media Scholarship Program, and the Seattle Independent Game Competition. In the last five years the program has created and retained over 2,500 jobs and over $400 million in economic impact in the Puget Sound region.
The scholarships will be available for at least three years and are funded by the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Seattle and King County and a grant provided by the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge. Deadline for applications is April 1, 2013. For more information, visit http://sms.scholarshipamerica.org/win/
“Despite a struggling economy, jobs and revenue are still growing in the Interactive Media sector, and qualified workforce is still the number one reason why companies locate and grow in our region,” said Kristina Hudson, Executive Director of the Washington Interactive Network. “It is imperative that we encourage students to pursue degrees in STEM and technology-related fields in order to maintain this growth in such a dynamic industry.”
According to results from the most recent Interactive Media Competitiveness Study (See www.washingtoninteravtivenetwork.org), Interactive Media jobs experienced 14% growth in Puget Sound and 33% growth in the city of Seattle (excluding Microsoft)
“Education is an important cornerstone to economic development,” said Jeff Marcell, President and CEO of the EDC. “We are excited to have this opportunity to support the next generation of the interactive media industry’s workforce.”
Related Links:
Washington Interactive Network www.WashingtonInteractiveNetwork.org
Economic Development Council www.EDC-SeaKing.org
Game Startup 101 http://www.gamestartup101.com/
