NABJ Scholarships
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Annual scholarships up to $10,000 for high school and college students pursuing journalism, broadcast, print, online media, photography, graphic design, and communications careers.
Visit Official Page →At a Glance
- Acceptance Rate
- Not publicly disclosed; compet…
- Applicants
- Not publicly disclosed
- Selected
- Multiple scholarships awa…
- Cost
- Free to apply
Eligibility
- Grades
- High school and college students (both levels supported)
- Age
- No specific age requirements stated
- Citizenship
- Not specified on official site; likely open to US-based students but verify per individual scholarship
- Prerequisites
- Must be interested in pursuing journalism or related media careers; must be pursuing studies in broadcast, print, online journalism, photography, graphic design, or communications
Application Process
Steps
- Visit NABJ official website (nabjonline.org/student-services/scholarships)
- Review available scholarship offerings for the application cycle
- Complete online application form
- Submit required materials per individual scholarship guidelines
- Adhere to NABJ's application guidelines and requirements
- Submit by posted deadline (typically in fall and spring cycles)
Materials Needed
- Online application form (via NABJ website)
- Specific materials vary by scholarship - check individual scholarship criteria
- Portfolio or work samples (likely required for some scholarships)
- Essay/personal statement (likely required)
- Proof of enrollment at school (for disbursement after award)
- Timeline
- Applications available every fall and spring; specific deadlines not listed on main page - check NABJ website for current cycle dates. Plan to start 2-3 months before deadline
- Cost
- Free to apply
Selection Criteria
What Judges Look For
- Commitment to pursuing journalism/media careers
- Quality of submitted portfolio or work samples
- Essay/personal statement quality
- Adherence to application guidelines and requirements
- Academic performance (implied, not explicitly stated)
- Demonstrated passion for journalism and diversity in media
- Fit with specific scholarship mission/focus
Scoring
NABJ uses an internal scoring system - specific rubric not publicly disclosed. Selection committee evaluates applications based on NABJ's scoring system and adherence to guidelines
Common Mistakes
- Not following specific application guidelines for each scholarship
- Submitting weak or incomplete portfolio
- Missing deadlines (apply early since cycles are only twice yearly)
- Not tailoring application to specific scholarship criteria
- Attempting to re-apply if previously awarded (automatic disqualification)
- Generic essays without specific connection to journalism
- Failing to meet prerequisite requirements
Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- Not publicly disclosed; competitive but accessible given multiple scholarships available
- Applicants
- Not publicly disclosed
- Winners / Selected
- Multiple scholarships awarded annually (exact number varies by cycle)
Tips & Strategy
- Apply early in the cycle to avoid last-minute issues
- Check NABJ website and social media regularly as applications only open fall and spring
- Build a strong portfolio of journalism/media work - quality over quantity
- Write compelling essays that specifically connect your story to why journalism matters
- Show awareness of NABJ's mission to support Black journalists and diversity in media
- Apply for multiple NABJ scholarships (permitted) - increases chances
- Demonstrate concrete clips/samples - not just school newspaper; seek work experience
- Highlight any internships, freelance work, or project experience
- Connect your application to specific scholarship's corporate/organizational mission
- Proofread meticulously - attention to detail matters in journalism
- Get strong recommendations if required by specific scholarship
- Show understanding of current issues in journalism and media representation
Preparation
How to Prepare
- Start journalism work immediately - join school newspaper, online publication, or start freelancing
- Build portfolio of 3-5 best journalism pieces (articles, photo essays, broadcast pieces, etc.)
- Research NABJ organization and its mission to demonstrate genuine interest
- Stay current on issues affecting Black journalists and diversity in media
- Develop strong writing skills through journalism coursework or workshops
- Network with journalists and mentors in your area
- Attend NABJ events or journalism conferences if possible
- Study previous application cycles (check NABJ social media for past scholarship offerings)
- Practice storytelling and pitch development
- Create polished clips and work samples
Resources
- NABJ Official Website: nabjonline.org
- NABJ Social Media: Check Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for application announcements
- NABJ Convention: Annual networking and learning opportunity
- Journalism associations: Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), Online News Association (ONA)
- High school journalism programs and advisors
- Poynter Institute: Free journalism resources
- Local news organizations: Internship and mentorship opportunities
- University journalism departments: Summer programs and workshops
- Time Needed
- Minimum 1-2 months to prepare strong application; ideally 3-4 months to build portfolio and develop strategy
Past Winners Profile
Typical winners likely include: high school/college students with demonstrated journalism experience (school newspaper, online publications, freelance work); strong writing samples; commitment to diversity and inclusion in media; academic standing; active in journalism-related activities; often minority students (NABJ's stated mission). Range from casual journalism enthusiasts to serious career-focused students
College Admissions Impact
NABJ Scholarships are viewed positively by college admissions officers as evidence of: commitment to journalism/media careers, recognition from a reputable national organization, demonstrated writing ability, diversity focus and social awareness. Award amount ($10,000) is meaningful and demonstrates competitive selection. Particularly valuable for students applying to journalism, communications, or media-focused college programs. Shows initiative in building professional network within journalism field. More impressive if combined with portfolio of actual published work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NABJ Scholarships acceptance rate?
The NABJ Scholarships acceptance rate is Not publicly disclosed; competitive but accessible given multiple scholarships available. Approximately Not publicly disclosed students apply each year.
How do I apply to NABJ Scholarships?
The application process includes: Visit NABJ official website (nabjonline.org/student-services/scholarships); Review available scholarship offerings for the application cycle; Complete online application form; Submit required materials per individual scholarship guidelines; Adhere to NABJ's application guidelines and requirements.
Who is eligible for NABJ Scholarships?
Grades: High school and college students (both levels supported). Citizenship: Not specified on official site; likely open to US-based students but verify per individual scholarship. Prerequisites: Must be interested in pursuing journalism or related media careers; must be pursuing studies in broadcast, print, online journalism, photography, graphic design, or communications.
Sources
Last updated: June 2026