It’s as important as ever to be a strong woman in the communications field, and Nebraska Press Women strives to recognize those women in our state. Two outstanding female journalists will be receive NPW scholarships this spring. Applications are being accepted through March 28.
Recipients will be invited to attend the Nebraska Press Women spring conference. This year’s conference is April 25 in Seward, and features a luncheon banquet where our recipients will receive special recognition.
The Marianne Beel Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of longtime NPW member Marianne Beel of Valentine, who died in 2007. Marianne shared her love of the Sandhills through writing and photography. Her column, “Sand in My Shoes,” was popular with readers of the North Platte Telegraph. She published other writing and photography there, and in many other publications.
The $500 high school scholarship is open to high school seniors who have a heart for photography, writing, videography, or who keep a strong online presence for their school publication/volunteer organization/employer. Students should both hope to pursue an education in communications or a related field, and enjoy showcasing Nebraska through their work. Students in the Sandhills are given special preference, though the scholarship is available statewide.
Criteria for the $500 scholarship and a link to the application are available online. One scholarship will be awarded and the recipient will be notified within a few days of being chosen.
The $1,000 Memorial Scholarship is available for graduate or full-time, upper-class undergraduate students. Graduate students must be enrolled for at least nine credit hours; undergraduate students for at least 12 hours.
In addition to a college application sheet, applicants should include:
- One to three samples of your work, such as newspaper stories, photographs, radio or video clips; advertising copy or layouts or professional social media posts/web pages.
- A personal letter that outlines your achievements and goals. This letter must be no more than two, double-spaced, single-sided pages. This will be a major factor considered by the scholarship committee.
- A reference letter from an advisor or faculty member that attests your overall GPA, as well as your GPA in your major field; it should also note why you should be selected for this scholarship (a second letter from someone of your choice is optional).
- Because of the nature of the profession, the judges will heavily weigh correct spelling and grammar. Please be sure and proofread all aspects of the application.
Find out more about the college scholarship and download the application form.
Applications must be emailed to npwscholarship@gmail.com by March 28, 2020.
