Electronic Arts (EA) Madden is supporting HBCUs in gaming.
The digital football experience continues to position itself to be the best in class. For the last three decades, Madden NFL alone has drawn millions of players and has sold over 130 million copies, Director Strategic Programs & Community Relations at EA, Jocel Boney, said at the AFROTECH™ U Summit held during the AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 in Houston.
“With that kind of influence, we know we have a responsibility to celebrate culture in authentic ways and to create meaningful impact in the communities where we live, work, and play,” she explained on the stage.
Part of that impact includes a $5 million investment in a scholarship program through the John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education to support advancements in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) and bolster future video game creators.
The scholarship honors the legacy of Coach John Madden, who was a key player in maintaining the authenticity of the sport in the creation of Madden NFL.
“Coach John Madden gave us our North Star, that insistence on authenticity, 11 players on the field, real strategy, and a true reflection of football has set Madden NFL apart from the very beginning,” Boney expressed.
The fund aims to equip students with essential skills through play-based learning while fostering their ability to think critically and solve problems.
The scholarship is now paving the way for future change makers in gaming, including students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). According to a news release, HBCU students across 12 HBCUs, including Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, and more, have received EA Madden Scholarships.
In partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), students can not only receive financial support but are also allocated mentorship opportunities and exclusive access to EA’s game development studio, notes a separate press release. In the past, students have learned how to design and build games and have benefited from career preparation workshops, panels, and interactions with EA employees.
Encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to be a part of the gaming industry ensures games can authentically represent the global population, the company said in the press release.
“Impact isn’t just about education, it’s about investing in the next generation and supporting grassroots football,” Boney acknowledged.
