Who is eligible for the Carter Pitts Scholarships?

Applicant must be a U.S. citizen (or meet legal residency requirements) residing in Iowa. Must be a high school senior planning to attend college, or a current full-time college student. Must be pursuing or plan to pursue a degree related to newspaper work â journalism, media, communications, etc.

Carter Pitts Scholarships

Name: Carter Pitts Scholarships

Award Amount: $500 (each)

Information And Eligibility:
The Carter Pitts Scholarships are funded by Le Mars Daily Sentinel, named for the paper’s longtime publisher and first president of Iowa Newspaper Foundation (INF). These awards are granted to students preparing for a career in the newspaper industry — supporting education and encouraging interest in journalism, media, and related fields. In addition to the regular $500 scholarship, there is a Carter Pitts Scholarship Endowment Fund that may generate additional awards annually, with amounts determined by fund earnings. Recipients may use the scholarship toward tuition, fees, books, or other qualified college expenses.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicant must be a U.S. citizen (or meet legal residency requirements) residing in Iowa.
Must be a high school senior planning to attend college, or a current full-time college student.
Must be pursuing or plan to pursue a degree related to newspaper work — journalism, media, communications, etc.

Application Requirements:

Completed INF / Carter Pitts scholarship application form.
Two references (one must be from a teacher, one from a school counselor).
Submission of two work samples (writing, journalism, media-related work) labeled with applicant’s name.
A personal statement or short essay (often about interest in newspapers / journalism).

Selection Criteria:

Demonstrated interest in newspaper/media industry and journalism.
Quality and originality of submitted work samples (writing, media projects, etc.).
Strength of personal statement and clarity of your career goals in journalism/media.
Academic performance and any prior related coursework or involvement.
Need and merit — some consideration may be given to financial need as well as demonstrated talent.

Additional Details:

The Carter Pitts Scholarships are part of a broader set of annual scholarships administered by the Iowa Newspaper Foundation.
Award amounts are fixed at $500 for the regular Carter Pitts Scholarship; additional endowment-funded awards vary based on available funding each year.
Funds are typically disbursed directly to the college or university the recipient attends.
Application deadline typically falls in February (e.g. February 13, 2026) for the upcoming academic year.

Deadline: February

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