The Call Of Duty Video Game Scholarship Endowment

Veterans Education Assistance – Video Game Production

Do you play Call Of Duty- That riveting, chest-thumping, nerve-wracking first-person shooter that even non-gamers have adopted as the new smash hit? Perhaps you reckon yourself a sharp-shooter, racking up consistent 2 to 1 ratios; a team leader calling in UAV’s, care packages, and harrier strikes? Well, just like a life-long love of video games, a lifelong commitment to education will help you reap great rewards and enjoyment. Brace yourself, Soldier, because-The Call Of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E), a non-profit public benefit corporation dedicated to assisting soldiers in their transition to civilian careers upon completion of military service- has partnered with Activision (the makers of COD) to provide a substantial fund for veterans and their educational needs. The fund is focused on assisting students in their pursuit of a career in video game production.

C.O.D.E focuses its resources on organizations that are dedicated to providing job training and placement for veterans. They are doing their best to engage as many media resources and public forums to raise awareness about the endowment, and we would certainly appreciate your help in spreading the word! An advisory board composed of respected veterans representing the various service branches is working with the endowment to ensure that finding a career after leaving the military is seamless. Their goal is to reduce the problem of veterans unemployment. The millions of dollars raised through an initial donation by Activision is being supplemented by corporate donations and the generosity of everyday civilians.

Participating Video Game Design Schools

C.O.D.E will donate $100,000 to fund the scholarship programs, which will exist for at least five years at each school. Participation in this particular program is distinct from other typical military scholarship programs, since only students enrolled at either Austin Community College (ACC), or Madison Area Technical College (MATC) are eligible to receive funds. ACC and MATC were chosen by CODE and Activision because of their high quality gaming and illustration programs. The resources pooled into these colleges will help create a path for service-men and women to enter the field of video game production- at locations in Texas and Wisconsin, respectively.

Additional Veterans Benefits Offered

While the post 911 Veterans Educational Assistance act of the GI Bill generally covers the cost of Veterans’ school tuition fees, C.O.D.E assists by providing an entire range of organizations and services that are in some cases not covered by the New GI Bill. Specifically, it provides financial assistance for software, transportation, and other educational needs. Along with providing Employment and Training, C.O.D.E. also donates resources to organizations like USA Cares- an organization dedicated to victims of the 2009 Ft. Hood shooting, and Paralyzed Veterans For America, which help underwrite the costs of rehabilitation services for military personnel.

While scholarships will be awarded for the upcoming school year, they are already accepting applications with a deadline set for June 1.  More details, including detailed information on how to apply can be found at the C.O.D.E. website.

Those individuals that have put their lives on the line to protect our country deserve to be rewarded with 21st century careers. This one will help them get there!