February 19, 2027
SPJ High School Essay Contest Scholarships
SPJ Foundation / Journalism Education Association · Direct application
$1,000
Eligibility
Major
Communication Journalism
Education level
High school
About this scholarship
U.S. high school students may enter this national essay contest run by the SPJ Foundation and the Journalism Education Association. Each year SPJ publishes a journalism-related topic; national winners receive scholarship prizes.
First place earns $1,000, second $500, and third $300. Winning essays are posted on SPJ.org and JEA.org and winners are notified by email.
The 2026 contest closed when checked in July 2026; entries are typically due in February with winners announced in May. Official rules and the entry link are published on the contest page each cycle.
A recurring SPJ Foundation program to build high school students' understanding of independent media.