Best Journalism Writing Scholarships in 2024

The Walsh scholarship honors Bill Walsh, author, blogger, and longtime copy editor at the Washington Post. The Walsh scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who demonstrates the talent and passion for language that Bill had, and who aspires to pursue the craft of editing the news.

The Aubespin scholarship honors Merv Aubespin, a former president of the National Association of Black Journalists who greatly helped inspire the creation of ACES. Applicants should have a commitment to a career in the editing of written materials.

The Overseas Press Club Foundation strives to improve the media's understanding of international issues and to raise the quality of news-gathering efforts in covering the world. This is achieved by offering scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in American colleges and universities, who aspire to become foreign correspondents. All applicants to OPC scholarships must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample about an international issue or topic.

The National New York Life Award, sponsored by the New York Life Foundation, provides six students whose works explore personal grief, loss, and bereavement with $1,000 scholarships. Additional state scholarships of $500 are available to two students from select states. Note that deadlines for all Scholastic Art & Writing Awards vary depending on your state.

The Civic Expression Award, sponsored by the Maurice R. Robinson Fund, provides six students whose works best promote responsible participation in civic life with $1,000 scholarships. This award is part of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Note that deadlines for all Scholastic Art & Writing Awards vary depending on your state.

Each year, NABJ awards scholarships to enrich and support the academic experience of students pursuing a career in journalism, media and communications. An NABJ scholarship selection committee selects awardees based on NABJ’s scoring system and adherence to the application guidelines and requirements. Students may apply for only one (1) NABJ scholarship each.

We award small artist support grants ($500 – $1,500) to individual feminist women in the arts who are citizens in the U.S and Canada. We welcome applications from women artists and writers who exhibit high quality and originality, use feminism as their central interpretive lens, and validate and express intersectional views.

Since 1970, RTDNF has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and fellowships to more than 500 young journalists. Scholarships are open to college students pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. To apply, students must complete an online form for each scholarship including their cover letter, resume, and 3-5 work samples.

The AAJA Sports Task Force offers a scholarship of up to $2,000 to current college students interested in pursuing sports journalism/media as a career through the Al Young Sports Journalism scholarship. Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and essay on the assigned topic.

The annual Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference program targets rising high school seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in journalism and who demonstrate qualities of “free spirit.” Winning students will come to Washington, D.C. in June to participate in an all-expenses-paid journalism conference and are awarded a $1,000 college scholarship.

This $1,000 award will be given to a high school senior on the staff of an NSPA member newspaper with a minimum 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. In addition to the entry form, applicants must submit three published editorials and a brief recommendation from the adviser.

The NSPA Journalism Honor Roll honors students who have achieved a 3.5 or higher grade point average and have completed at least two years on staff by the end of this school year. Students in their second year on staff are eligible. Seniors who qualify for the Honor Roll can enter into a competition for one or more $1,000 scholarships.

The MFK Fisher Award honors Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher, a widely read and lauded culinary writer. This award in now given to women writers whose published works illuminate the pivotal roles of food or contribute to our knowledge of those who grow, produce or prepare nourishment. Their works must be original, published in English during the current award year, and no longer than 2,000 words. Three prizes are awarded in each category: book, print media, and Internet.

Each year, ten scholarships of $4,000 each are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership experience and volunteer service. Applicants must include an essay on the following topic: "Tell us what question you think we should ask you… and now, answer it."

The Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) has established the John Madson Fellowship as part of its commitment to improve the professional skills of outdoor communicators. Each year, the OWAA will award up to $3,000 to selected individuals seeking to enhance their journalistic abilities. Applicants must include an explanation of their need and proposal for continuing education, an itemized budget of miscellaneous expenses, and include a sample of their work