Journalism Scholarships for Students
We are pleased to share this directory of journalism scholarships available to students through PNA‑member news organizations and affiliate partners. Each listing includes key details about the scholarship and a link to the sponsoring organization for additional information. We strive to keep this directory current; however, scholarship information may change without notice. Please be sure to visit each organization’s website for the most up‑to‑date requirements before applying.
If you’d like to add your organization’s scholarship to this list, request an update to an existing entry, share a scholarship we may have missed, or ask any questions, please email the PNA Foundation.
John G. Leeser, Jr. Scholarship – This scholarship recognizes two Pennsylvania college or university students majoring in advertising or any related major (i.e. journalism, communications, marketing, digital sales, social media) with the John G. Leeser, Jr. Scholarship. Each award will be $1,500 funded by the PNA Foundation powered by funds from the Pennsylvania Advertising Managers’ Association (PAMA). Application deadline is Feb. 28.
Tim Williams Memorial Journalism Scholarship – This scholarship recognizes one Pennsylvania high school student and/or one college/university student for outstanding contributions to their newsroom. Entrant must be interested in pursuing a career in media such as majoring in media, journalism, communications and related fields in Pennsylvania, and be active in journalism on campus (broadcast, print, multimedia or digital). Each award will be $1,000 funded by donations to the PNA Foundation directed to the Tim Williams Legacy Fund. Applications are submitted as part of the Student Keystone Media Awards Contest, with a deadline in January each year.
Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is open to students attending or planning to attend a four-year college or university with a major in Journalism, English Writing or Communication and provides financial assistance of up to $7,500 per year for up to four years. Deadline for applications is typically in January.
Scholarship for Diversity in Media – The scholarship will award an exceptionally talented Journalism, Communication, or English Writing high school senior who is culturally, ethnically or racially diverse with financial assistance of up to $7,500 per year for up to four years. Deadline for applications is typically in January.
Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication has an exciting scholarship opportunity in Temple University’s Master of Journalism program:
The Steinman Foundation has funded a $20,000 per year scholarship for students interested in pursuing a career in business or financial journalism, targeted especially toward students with a professional or educational background in business. Recipients are also eligible to pursue a 1-year, $40,000 business reporting fellowship at LNP Media Group in Lancaster, PA upon graduation from the program. For more details, email kleingraduate@temple.edu or phone 215-204-8560.
Each year, the Bob Fryer Memorial Scholarship awards $5,000 and The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania Scholarship awards $2,500 to two aspiring journalists. Application details are available in December. Deadline to apply is typically early February. More details are available on the Press Club website.
Other Scholarship Resources
Scholarships.com helps you find scholarships to help with funding your education. Whether you’re just starting to explore journalism as a possible major, or whether you’ve already been doing journalistic work at the high school or undergraduate level for years, there are a number of journalism scholarships available for students like you.
Bold.org offers a list of scholarships and other useful information, such as the different types of scholarships available, how to apply/earn those scholarships and eligibility requirements. View their lists of scholarships here:
- Scholarships by State, Major or Academic Year
- Scholarships for High School Seniors
- LGBTQ+ Scholarships
USAScholarships.com is dedicated to providing information about scholarships to help you make college affordable.
GlobalScholarships.com is a scholarship database with thousands of external and university-affiliated scholarships specifically for international students.
Visit our Student Resources & Initiatives page for more programs provided by the PNA Foundation.
Our mission is to support the sustainability of local news through philanthropy and fundraising, training and recognition of professional and student journalists.