The Entertainment Software Association, Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), HHF’s Leaders on the Fast Track (LOFT), and others, today announced a new program to provide minority youths with an opportunity to promote social change through video games. The ESA LOFT Video Game Innovation Fellowship program will award 20 youths, aged 16 to 24, with grants for creating video games which seek solutions to problems that face their communities.

"At the core of the ESA LOFT Video Game Innovation Fellowship is the belief that using technology for social change is essential to not only the advancement of minority communities, but America as a nation," said Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of HHF. "HHF, Black Association for Science and Engineering, BK Nation, and others are thrilled to partner with the ESA, and together encourage social innovation among youth on their terms, through technology and video games. This program is an embodiment to our tag line of ‘helping a young leader help thousands more’ except in this case it can be millions more."

The Video Game Innovation Fellows and their games will be selected based on their vision, creativity, and potential impact on their community. In October, the Fellows will present their ideas to influencers and policymakers in Washington, DC. Applicants can find more information about the fellowships and apply online at www.loftinnovation.org by October 1, 2013.

"The ESA LOFT Video Game Innovation Fellowship will show how games are more than a means of entertainment, but also a tool for change in our society," said Rich Taylor, senior vice president of communications and industry affairs at the ESA. "We are proud to offer an opportunity that will help create real change in minority communities through the unique platform only video games can provide."