IGDA invites applications for GDC 2006 student scholarships

The Independent Game Developers Association has announced that submissions are now being accepted for the 2006 Game Developers Conference student scholarships.

Scheduled to run over five days from the 20th-24th March 2006 in San Jose, California, student scholarship recipients will be granted full access to the conference, including all sessions, roundtables and keynotes. The students will also be invited to network with industry professionals and take part in various discussions throughout the event.

Jason Della Rocca, executive director of the IGDA, said: "It has been the IGDA's tradition to award those students who best demonstrate their potential for growth and an ability to bring new ideas to the table. Every year, we continue to meet students who are passionate about entering the field, ready to help drive things to the next level."

Applicants are required to be in full-time education at university (or equivalent educational program), and a paid member of the IGDA, which currently costs USD 30 per annum. Submissions can be sent via the IGDA website and the closing date is February 3rd, 2006. Successful applicants, who will be assigned a mentor for the duration of the event, will be announced before February 15th, 2006.

The 2006 GDC event, which will focus on next-generation game development, is expected to attract more than 12,000 visitors. The comprehensive program of events will showcase the latest game development tools, platforms and services for computer, console, mobile, arcade and online games, and includes over 300 lectures, panel discussions, tutorials and round-table talks.