Sony invests millions of dollars in young talent from “historically disadvantaged communities”

In 2020, Sony Group established the Global Social Justice Fund, with its primary goals being the support of social justice initiatives and combating racism worldwide.

The fund is valued at 100 million dollars, of which 11 million dollars was donated by Sony Interactive Entertainment to young talent dreaming of a career in the gaming industry.

Sony introduced new scholarships through the Career Pathways program and established partnerships with a large number of organizations, including those that support the Black community. By design, this initiative is intended to assist young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tiffany Johnson, Senior Director and Global Head of DE&I at Sony Interactive Entertainment, noted:

“Through the SIE Social Justice Initiative and PlayStation Career Pathways, we support organizations and events aimed at expanding educational and career opportunities for historically disadvantaged communities. Our goal is to usher in a new era of creativity, development, and growth in the gaming industry that fosters greater diversity and representation.” 

The fund donated 3 million dollars to the Gerald A. Lawson Fund at USC Games, the leading game design and media program at the University of Southern California. For over 10 years, this department has led the Princeton Review rankings in the game design category.

Jim Huntley of USC Games:

“Representation in games matters. We hope the USC Games Lawson Fund, supported by PlayStation Career Pathways, will inspire other corporations, publishers, and developers to reach out to us and invest in solving an issue that the industry has faced since its inception.”