Journalism & Communications Scholarships

Undergraduate students in the greater Houston area, or graduates of a greater Houston high school, who are enrolled full time at an accredited two- or four-year college with a declared major in marketing, advertising, graphic arts, media, or a related field may apply with a minimum 3.0 GPA. AMA Houston awards one Penny Todd Scholarship of $5,000 annually. Submit the application with an essay of more than 750 words on career goals, at least two recommendations from non-family adults, proof of enrollment, an official transcript, and samples of marketing coursework.

High school seniors and college undergraduates majoring or planning to major in digital marketing or a related business, tech, marketing, or communications field may apply, provided they plan to take at least 10 credit hours. One recipient receives a one-time $4,000 scholarship. A panel of three judges selects the winner. Complete the online application and submit an essay of at least 500 words about your life story, intended field of study, and the impact you plan to make. Sponsored by 10X Digital.

Juniors, seniors, and graduate students at BEA member institutions pursuing careers in radio or audio media may apply for the John Bayliss Award from the Broadcast Education Association. One $4,000 scholarship recognizes superior academic performance, integrity, and professional potential in audio media. BEA evaluates applicants on academic merit and evidence of personal and professional responsibility. Recipients are announced by mid-December.

Juniors, seniors, and graduate students at BEA member institutions pursuing careers in electronic media may apply for the BEA Richard Eaton Foundation Award. One recipient receives $4,000. Winners are announced in late November. Applicants should demonstrate superior academic performance, high integrity, and strong potential as electronic media professionals. Submit materials through the BEA scholarship portal by the October 16 deadline.

Graduate students at BEA member institutions pursuing careers in electronic media may apply for the BEA Vincent T. Wasilewski Award. One recipient receives $4,000. Winners are announced in late November. Applicants should demonstrate superior academic performance, high integrity, and strong potential as electronic media professionals. Submit materials through the BEA scholarship portal by the October 16 deadline.

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who are African American/Black, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American/American Indian may apply for The LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarship. Applicants must be full-time graduate students at a four-year accredited U.S. institution, carrying at least 9 units per semester, with a 3.2 GPA and a major emphasizing advertising, marketing, or public relations. At least one year of study must remain, and Ph.D. students are eligible. Twenty recipients each receive $3,750. Winners must attend foundation scholarship activities, including career development workshops and networking events with industry professionals. Submit the online PDF application by the published deadline.

College or university juniors, seniors, or graduate students enrolled in a degree program who aspire to edit news may apply for the $3,500 Bill Walsh Scholarship from ACES: The Society for Editing. Applicants must demonstrate excellence in news editing and interest in editing as a career. Applications open August 15 and close November 15. The Walsh Scholarship honors editor Bill Walsh and supports students committed to journalism editing.

Juniors, seniors, and graduate students at BEA member institutions pursuing careers in electronic media may apply for the BEA Peter B. Orlik Award. One recipient receives a $3,500 scholarship. BEA evaluates academic performance, integrity, professional potential, and personal responsibility. Recipients are announced by mid-December. Apply through BEA's scholarship program. The Broadcast Education Association is an international academic media organization supporting educators, students, and professionals in electronic media production and scholarship.

Graduate students at accredited institutions, preferably BEA member schools, pursuing advanced degrees focused on broadcast history may apply for the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation Award by October 16. One $3,000 full-year scholarship is awarded. Submit a complete BEA application with a thesis or dissertation proposal abstract, transcript, and two references, including one from electronic media faculty. Recipients are announced in late November. The Broadcast Education Association supports educators and students in electronic media research and production.

Undergraduate journalism majors or minors at ACEJMC-accredited U.S. universities may enter Hearst Journalism Awards monthly competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, podcast, and multimedia categories. Each participating university may enter two students per competition. Top five finishers per competition earn scholarships up to $3,000 for first place, with additional prizes for lower placements. Photo entrants are not required to be journalism majors. Obtain login access through your journalism department and submit published or aired work that meets category guidelines.