2023 WABJ Investigative Journalism Scholarship Application
The Washington Association of Black Journalists is accepting applications for its inaugural Investigative Journalism Scholarship. This scholarship program furthers WABJ’s efforts to increase the representation of Black journalists in investigative reporting, thanks to a $10,000 seed investment from MGM’s Orion Pictures and United Artists.
Students studying journalism at a college or university in the Washington, D.C. metro area are eligible to apply.
In addition to receiving a $2,000 check at the WABJ Special Honors & Scholarship Gala on Saturday, December 2 at Howard University, the inaugural scholarship recipient will be paired with a mentor who is currently an investigative reporter or editor.
Deadline: Monday, October 16 at 11:59 p.m.
Requirements
- Currently a rising college sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student.
- Applicants must be paid student members of WABJ.
- Major course of study: journalism or a communications discipline
- Enrolled full-time at the time of application, and throughout the scholarship award term, at an accredited U.S. college or university in the D.C. area.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale). You must submit an official or unofficial transcript.
- Written essay (no more than 800 words) or a video (3 to five minutes) describing why you want to be an investigative journalist, plans for your journalism career, what it means to be a Black journalist today, and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Updated one-page resume
- Two published clips showcasing your investigative journalism work (links preferred).
- One recommendation letter from a professor, employer/internship supervisor or faculty advisor who is familiar with your academic and investigative journalism work. The recommender must sign the letter and include their contact info.