National Association of Black Journalists Scholarship

Name: The National Association of Black Journalists Scholarship Program (NABJ Scholarships)

Award Amount: $2,500

Information And Eligibility:
The National Association of Black Journalists Scholarship Program (NABJ Scholarships) is a nationally recognized initiative designed to support and elevate students pursuing careers in journalism and related media fields. Offered by the National Association of Black Journalists, one of the most influential professional organizations in the media industry, this scholarship program is intended to help reduce financial barriers for aspiring journalists while encouraging diversity, representation, and excellence in newsrooms across the country.

NABJ Scholarships are awarded annually to students who are committed to journalism as a profession and who demonstrate promise through prior work, storytelling ability, and career ambition. The program is open to students studying at accredited four-year colleges, universities, or journalism schools in the United States. Both U.S. residents and international students are eligible, making this opportunity accessible to a broad range of journalism students who plan to build their careers in the U.S. media landscape.

Unlike many merit-based awards, the NABJ Scholarship Program does not impose a minimum GPA requirement. Instead, the selection process focuses on a student’s journalistic experience, writing or reporting ability, career goals, and personal motivation. Applicants are asked to submit a 500–800 word essay describing their accomplishments in journalism to date, their long-term professional goals in the field, and a brief explanation of their financial need. This allows students to tell their story in their own voice and highlight the real-world work they have already completed.

In addition to the essay, applicants must submit five samples of journalistic work. These samples may include articles, multimedia stories, broadcast segments, photojournalism projects, or other relevant journalism pieces that demonstrate reporting skill, creativity, and ethical storytelling. The work samples play a critical role in the evaluation process and help judges assess each applicant’s readiness for a professional journalism career.

Scholarship recipients often receive more than just financial support. NABJ Scholars gain recognition within the journalism community and may have access to networking opportunities, mentorship, conferences, and professional development resources through NABJ. Winning a NABJ Scholarship can strengthen a student’s résumé, open doors to internships or entry-level roles, and connect recipients with a nationwide network of journalists and media professionals.

Funds from the scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, books, housing, equipment, or other education-related expenses. Awards are competitive and limited in number, so students are encouraged to submit strong, well-prepared applications that clearly demonstrate their commitment to journalism and their potential to make meaningful contributions to the field.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be pursuing a major in journalism or a closely related field.
• Must be enrolled at an accredited four-year college, university, or journalism school in the United States.
• Open to U.S. residents and international students.
• No minimum GPA requirement.
• Must intend to pursue a career in journalism.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online scholarship application.
• Essay (500–800 words) outlining journalism accomplishments, career goals, and financial need.
• Five journalism work samples.
• Any additional materials requested by NABJ.

Deadline: March

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