Journalism scholarships can help people seeking to further their writing careers. From organizations to schools, online sites to journalism publications, the possibilities to apply for a scholarship are seemingly endless. The first step you should take is to locate the perfect journalism scholarship that fits your needs.

Take the time to peruse many different scholarships for journalist training before applying. There might be one for a specific school you wish to attend, or there might be a general scholarship available to members of an association or organization. Consider the following when searching for journalism scholarships news and trends:

1. Search through websites of colleges or universities for business journalism scholarships.

2. Read publications that discuss journalism scholarships.

3. Join associations or organizations that offer scholarships for journalism students.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use websites from colleges to find journalism scholarships grants

Going straight to the university or college where you want to attend can be a great way to find information about journalism scholarships and grants. Seek out the journalism department's website to find out if you qualify, when applications are due and what monetary amount the scholarship provides the recipient.

I recommend: Look at the University of Minnesota and its School of Journalism and Mass Communication scholarships. With several scholarships available, odds are that you qualify for at least one of them. The University of Florida also offers a lengthy list of journalism scholarships for which students can apply.

Read publications that feature scholarships for journalist training

Journalism publications are an ideal place to search for scholarships. Locating news about national and regional scholarships can be found in most of these publications. Take responsibility and actively seek out scholarships, which might be published yearly or even as often as the publication prints.

I recommend: Since the site is updated often, search through older articles posted on Editor & Publisher from Nielsen Business Media. The journal is one of the oldest covering the newspaper industry. Sign up for the newsletter sent out by the Online Journal Review from Knight Digital Media Center. You might be alerted to scholarship updates delivered straight to your e-mail inbox.

Check out associations to find a scholarship for journalism

Organizations and associations allow for members to interact with each other and share their common interests. They want others to succeed and do well, which is why it is no surprise that most journalism organizations offer a scholarship for potential members.

I recommend: Check out the Asian American Journalists Association and its scholarship program. It also provides for internship programs and grad school scholarships. The National Association of Black Journalists awards more than $60,000 annually in scholarships, with some single scholarships of up to $25,000.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget to think about international journalism scholarships. There are numerous universities overseas that can provide an international experience in the journalism field. Even if it is for one semester, securing a scholarship can help cut the costs.

If you want to refine your journalism skills, consider a journalism scholarship for practicing journalists. Every year professional journalism organizations, foundations and graduate schools offer thousands of dollars in journalism scholarships and grants for professionals to continue their education.

How do you find a scholarship for journalism? The first step is to take the time to research what is available, the requirements and how you apply. Some scholarships for journalism are based on specific work experience. Some have parameters such as minority status or your state of residence. International journalism scholarships often have additional requirements such as teaching classes.

Leave no stone unturned as you seek journalism scholarships, grants, and other aid. To help you find journalism scholarships for professional journalists, use the following ideas:

1. Find a scholarship for journalism from professional journalist organizations and foundations.

2. Consider both American scholarship research programs in journalism and international journalism scholarships.

3. Check with professional organizations sponsored by minority groups for their journalism scholarship offerings.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search online for journalism scholarships from professional groups

The websites of professional journalism groups often have information about scholarship availability. Check the websites to find scholarships you qualify for and decide which ones to apply for. Note that in many cases the scholarship is for a specific field of journalism, such as travel journalism.

I recommend: Be sure to check the American Journalism Review for scholarship information. It updates its scholarship offerings frequently. Several internships are awarded annually by the Society of Professional Journalists. Check into the specifics of the Pulliam/Kilgore, Fred Archibald, Eugene C. Pulliam and other awards.

Investigate internships, fellowships and international journalism scholarships

For professionals, scholarship money often comes in the form of internships and fellowships. International awards usually require living and working in another country for a specified period of time.

I recommend: The Scripps Howard Foundation's goal is improving journalism. Check out the scholarships for journalism offered by the foundation. The Fulbright Scholarships offered by the Commission for Educational Exchange include travel, study and research abroad. Journalists must have two years of professional experience to qualify.

Find options for a minority journalism scholarship

Many minority journalism organizations award journalism scholarships for continuing professional growth. Most have professional experience as a prerequisite.

I recommend: The National Association of Hispanic Journalists sponsors several different awards. Each focuses on a different type of journalism, such as broadcast journalism and print/online journalism. The Asian American Journalists Association provides several fellowships annually. Awards include fellowships in business, leadership and study at Wharton Business School.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget to check for business journalism scholarships from local or regional chapters of professional organizations. Note that some scholarships require you to join the sponsoring organization before you can apply.