Overview
The Catholic Media Association is pleased to present the inaugural Catholic Media Conference Scholarship Program. The scholarship expands access to the annual Catholic Media Conference, the flagship event of the Catholic Media Association, for member organizations who can demonstrate financial need so that they may have the opportunity to develop their creative skills and professional relationships.
Two scholarships are available for the 2026 Catholic Media Conference in Atlantic City, NJ, and will cover conference registration, four nights at the conference hotel, and a travel reimbursement (capped at $500).
Requirements
- Priority will be given to member organizations that are on the list created by the Catholic Extension Society, as well as organizations that otherwise would not be able to send anyone due to existing budget restrictions.
- Scholarship recipients must be willing to commit to active participation in the full conference, including workshops and master camps, and must attend the conference in its entirety.
- Recipients must create at least four unique posts on social media during the event, tagging and using the official hashtag of the conference.
- Recipients must also submit photos or a short video from their time at the conference for CMA recap use.
Financial stewardship
- The Catholic Media Conference Scholarship is funded through a portion of annual interest earnings from the Catholic Journalism Scholarship Fund.
- Scholarship availability will vary by year based on investment performance.
- Applications will be reviewed by a CMA committee, with recipients approved by the CMA Board of Directors.
- The scholarship program directly supports the CMA’s mission by strengthening its members today and investing in the future of Catholic media.
Application details
Applications for the 2026 Catholic Media Conference Scholarship will be accepted between November 15, 2025 and February 1, 2026. There is no application fee. All questions and inquiries should be directed to membership@catholicmediaassociation.org. All applications should include the following:
- A letter of introduction and a resume.
- Four content samples. Samples can include newspaper and magazine clips, blog posts, podcasts, etc.
- One letter from the applicant's supervisor, endorsing the scholarship application.
Timeline
- November 15: Application portal opens.
- February 1: Application portal closes.
- December-February: Review of applications and notification of decisions.
- March: Offer of scholarship
- June 16-19, Atlantic City, N.J.: Catholic Media Conference
We reserve the right to conclude the application process prior to the final deadline if a suitable candidate has been found.
About the Catholic Media Association
Terms of Use Agreement
- The Catholic Media Association agrees to cover the cost of the CMC Conference registration, four nights at the official conference hotel, and travel reimbursement up to $500. Additional meals, travel and other ancillary expenses will be the sole responsibility of the scholarship recipient.