Journalism Scholarships

Find the money you need to continue your education with journalism scholarships
By Mike Tracy 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.

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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.

• 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.