Deadline: September 30, 2018
Applications are open for the Foreign Press Scholarship Awards for Graduate Students of Journalism 2018. The Scholarship Awards contribute to the development of the next generation of international reporters.
Scholarship awards will be presented in two categories: print and multi-media. The application requires the submission of a commentary on a subject matter decided upon by the Awards Committee.
Founded in 1918, the Foreign Press Association is the oldest association of journalists in the United States of America, and the second in the world. The Foreign Press Association Scholarship Awards was founded on the 75th Anniversary of FPA’s formation to encourage the pursuit of a career in journalism by the next generation of foreign correspondents.
Scholarship
- Cash scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 (USD), will be awarded.
An impartial panel of journalists, editors, publishers, media directors, and other professionals will select the winning awards. Scholarship Awardees will be invited to receive their awards at the FPA’s Centennial Gala event, attended by an audience of global influencers in business, foreign affairs and media, on Thursday, 1st November, 2018 in New York City.
Eligibility
- Open to individuals who are foreign nationals having graduated during 2018 or who will be enrolled in a graduate journalism program in the United States of America during 2018;
- Held or holding an F-1 or J-1 Visa during 2018;
- Demonstrate an interest and commitment to international affairs reporting.
Judging Criteria
Applications will be judged on:
- The submission response to the Op-Ed question.
- A short statement detailing how you will utilize your FPA Scholarship Award.
Application Documents
Please include all of the following documents with your application. Applications without the following documents will not be considered.
- Proof of enrollment in a graduate studies course in Journalism during 2018
- A copy of the identity page of your passport, and your F-1 or J-1 Visa
- Two (2) examples only of published work (print and/or multimedia) which demonstrate your interest and commitment to international affairs. Examples not in English must be translated. Printed articles shall not exceed 1000 words and multi-media shall not exceed 15 minutes
- Two references:
- A professor at your school of journalism in the USA during 2018
- An editor with whom you have worked
- A curriculum vitae detailing all scholarships and fellowships.
Application
Applicants must:
- Provide, either an Op-Ed, (maximum 750 words), or in a multimedia format, (not exceeding 5 minutes viewing time, along with an overview of the multimedia presentation), a submission in answer to the following:
As the Foreign Press Association celebrates the 100th Anniversary of its founding in 1918, trust in the media and its role as the fourth estate are being challenged by those labeling stories or channels they disagree with, “Fake News.”
Drawing upon your experiences in your home country and the U.S.A., is the idea that the media is the fourth estate still relevant?
Looking to the future, what do you see as the role and responsibilities of individual journalists to maintain the public’s trust in the media as an institution?
*NOTE: “When referring to fourth estate, you are referring to journalists as a whole. The fourth estate encompasses all of those who report the news. The first use of the term was by Edmund Burke in 1787 during a debate in parliament. It is used to accentuate the freedom of the press, not to be confused with the term “fourth branch” which proposes that they are not free from the government. The press is called the fourth estate in the United States usually because they observe the political process. They do this to make sure the participants do not exploit the democratic system. They play a crucial role in the outcome of political issues and candidates. This is where the media is often called the fourth branch of the government instead of the fourth estate. It can be a controversial term depending on the thoughts of those using it.” (*SOURCE: Journalism Encyclopedia)
- Compose a one-page statement indicating how a scholarship award will benefit their career plans and objectives. (Indicate why financial aid is needed, and list all scholarships and fellowships you have received towards your studies in the United States).
- Present evidence of enrollment in a graduate program of journalism during 2018
- Submit letters of reference from both:
- A professor at the school of journalism during 2018,
- An editor of their recently published work.
- Submit TWO samples of published or broadcast work. (If in a foreign language, please send an English translation).
- Submit a curriculum vitae. Outline academic background and previous experience in journalism.
- Only applicants with F-1 and J-1 Visas during 2018 are eligible for consideration. Please provide a copy of the documentation. Students of U.S.A. citizenship are not eligible for FPA scholarships.
- Confirm, on an honor basis, that a report will be submitted on the use of the scholarship award prior to the first anniversary of the award, along with a summary of subsequent career development.
Click here to submit your application
For more information, visit FPA Scholarship Award.
