Why I Created a Scholarship Program: Leveling Up Future Innovators

As someone who has always been passionate about video games and programming, I understand the profound impact that education and mentorship can have on aspiring developers and creators. This understanding throughout my time in school and starting my college courses inspired me to launch a scholarship program in 2017, which you can learn more about on my website, Amie DD Scholarship Fund. Let me take you through the reasons behind this initiative and how it aims to support the next generation of women tech wizards.

A Personal Journey

I truly would not be where I am today in my career without the support of TQ Jefferson during my first internship at Marvel Studios all those years ago. TQ fostered a culture of change in the gaming industry, actively seeking to bring in diversity and build talent up rather than burn them out. He led what I like to call "TQ’s unicorn army," a movement that emphasizes that with great responsibility comes great power. His mentorship instilled in me the belief that we all have the ability to make a difference. Now, I ask all scholarship recipients: What are you going to do with your unicorn powers?

The Quest for Knowledge

Growing up immersed in gaming, I discovered early on that it’s not just about winning; it’s about learning, creating, and problem-solving. Whether it was coding my first game or tackling complex algorithms, every challenge was a level to conquer. Unfortunately, I also witnessed many talented individuals with dreams of creating their own games and software being held back by financial constraints.

This scholarship program is my way of ensuring that those with a passion for coding and gaming can access the resources they need to level up their skills and pursue their dreams.

The Origin Story

The DANSBY SCHOLARSHIP FOR GIRLS IN STEM was born in 2017 with initial funding provided by me, Amie Dansby, which was meant to cover five years of scholarship support for girls pursuing degrees in STEM fields. At the time, I worried that this wouldn’t be enough to make a lasting impact. However, thanks to the generous donations of many incredible individuals and organizations—including support from the 3D printing filament company Proto-Pasta and the Hack-A-Sat Team ADDVulcan—the scholarship fund has grown significantly. As of 2020, we are now set to support girls through the year 2030!

One exciting aspect of this partnership with Proto-Pasta is the special filament color I created: Amie’s Blood of My Enemies HTPLA. A percentage of the proceeds from every sale of this unique filament goes directly to the scholarship fund, allowing us to expand our reach and impact. This collaboration not only fuels creativity in 3D printing but also empowers future innovators.

Empowering Future Game Changers

This scholarship specifically targets girls majoring in STEM fields who are about to start college or are currently enrolled. My mission is to provide financial support for girls in the United States pursuing college degrees in technology-related fields of study, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). By removing financial barriers, I aim to help these talented individuals reach their potential. Imagine the next groundbreaking game or innovative software being created by a recipient of this scholarship—it's a possibility I’m excited to support!

A Partnership with the National Videogame Museum

One of the most thrilling aspects of this scholarship program is the partnership with the National Videogame Museum in Frisco, Texas. This collaboration enriches the experience for our scholarship recipients by providing them with access to unique resources, mentorship opportunities, and events that celebrate the history and innovation of gaming. It’s an incredible opportunity to help students on their journey.

The Power of Collaboration

Gaming has taught me the value of teamwork. Just as players collaborate to complete quests, I believe that fostering a supportive network among scholarship recipients can lead to amazing collaborations and innovations. By connecting students with peers and mentors, we can create a space where ideas flourish, and creativity thrives.

Join the Adventure

I invite you to check out the scholarship program on my website and explore how you can be part of this exciting journey. Whether you’re a student with a passion for programming, a mentor eager to share your knowledge, or an industry professional looking to support the next wave of talent, your involvement can help unlock doors for future innovators.

Powering Up the Future

This scholarship program represents more than just financial aid; it’s a commitment to nurturing the next generation of game developers and programmers. Together, we can empower young minds to harness their creativity, overcome obstacles, and contribute to the ever-evolving world of technology and gaming. Let’s work together to create a future where anyone with a dream and a passion for coding can level up and make their mark!