GameStop wants to give power to employee scholars
As retailers feel the pressure to raise wages for employees, GameStop is focusing on education by giving staffers an incentive to enter the classroom.
GameStop is launching a new scholarship for its employees that would allow them or their children to go to college. The program is called “Power to the Scholars,” a reference to the “Power to the Players” slogan the company has popularized over the years.
The “Power to the Scholars” scholarship will work in partnership with Scholarship America, Inc. as an extension of GameStop’s employee-oriented Gamer Fund. Applications for the program begin on May 1 and can be accessed online through scholarsapply.org. The program will offer 40 scholarships worth a total of $2,500 each or $100,000 in all.
“There’s no better way to invest in our company than by supporting our employees and their families,” said Mike Buskey, president of the Gamer Fund. “The ‘Power to the Scholars’ program will enable us to help employees achieve great things in their careers, their lives, and for their families.”
From May 1 through June 19, 2015, employees and/or their dependents can visit the “Power to the Scholars” websitehttps://scholarsapply.org/powertothescholars to submit an application. For the 2015-2016 school year, GameStop will award 40 scholarships of $2,500 each for a grand total of $100,000 in college aid. Each applicant must meet certain criteria, including current GameStop employment for at least one continuous year and a minimum grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on their most recent transcript. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need, academic performance, demonstrated leadership in school and community activities, work experience, and career and educational goals.
“Our mission is to make higher education more affordable and attainable for all students,” said Lauren Segal, president and chief executive officer, Scholarship America, Inc. “When a company like GameStop recognizes the value of higher education, how it can benefit employees and its broader network, and invests in this type of program, not only does it impact the company in a positive way, but it helps improve economic success for all.”
Selected scholarship recipients will be notified by July 20, 2015. Scholarships can be renewed for use in subsequent years as long as recipients continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
The addition of the “Power to the Scholars” Scholarship program is GameStop’s latest initiative to help protect and support its employees and their families. Since launching in 2012, the Gamer Fund has provided more than $400,000 in assistance to associates in need. The employee-sponsored charitable organization provides financial grants to assist with short-term needs due to unforeseen emergencies or hardships. These events can include the loss of a home due to natural disaster or fire, a death of a spouse or child, or the inability to pay rent due to an illness or injury.
Texas-based GameStop operates more than 6,600 stores across 14 countries.