Sony Online Entertainment (DC Universe Online, EverQuest) has awarded a $10,000 scholarship to a game art and design student in its fourth annual G.I.R.L. Scholarship program.

Alicia Crawford, who is currently attending the Inland Empire's Art Institute of California in San Bernardino, will use the $10,000 toward her tuition and educational expenses. She has also accepted a ten-week paid internship at Sony Online's San Diego headquarters.

"It's such an honor to be recognized for my work by a major video game publisher and I'm extremely thankful to SOE for this opportunity," said Crawford."Winning the G.I.R.L. scholarship fuels my desire to work in the gaming industry and my existing passion for video games."

The Gamers in Real Life Scholarship was created by SOE to "encourage students toward career paths in the creative and applied arts, with the ultimate goal of developing video games that are more interesting for women to play."

Applicants were asked to submit two pieces of original concept art inspired by SOE games, as well as an essay. More information on the G.I.R.L. Scholarship is available on its official site.