How to Apply for a National Association of Black Journalists Scholarship

The National Association of Black Journalists funds two kinds of scholarships for African-American journalism students. College students can apply for one of 10 available one-time grants of $2,500. Also offered are two four-year sustaining scholarships ($2,500 each year) for incoming freshmen planning to pursue a career in journalism.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers
• Word-processing Software

1. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria: any African-American student at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university is eligible to apply, as is any African-American high school senior. Non-U.S. citizens are also eligible.

2. Remember that applicants also need a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 and must be planning a career in journalism.

3. Get an application by writing to NABJ, 8701 Adelphi Road, Adelphi, MD 20783-1716. Or call [phone].

4. Prepare the other materials. Gather three recommendation letters, a sample article from an interview you conduct with an African-American journalist, other work samples, a one-page autobiography, a transcript, and a head-only black-and-white glossy photo. You'll need three copies of all the materials.

5. Notify professors, TAs and employers well ahead of time for any letters of recommendation you need from them.

6. Send in the materials by the March deadline. Apply well before the application deadline to avoid the risk of missing it.

Tips & Warnings

• Set up a calendar with deadlines of all the fellowships for which you're applying.
• Photocopy your application materials before sending them in, and keep a copy for your records.
• Consult with your school's fellowships office for information on other fellowships and financial aid.
• Be wary of any fellowship that sounds too good to be true; it probably is. (See "eHow to Watch Out for Scholarship Scams.")