2024 Scholarships, Project Funding Awards for Journalism Students

This year, the CSUN Department of Journalism is offering 15 scholarships and project funding awards to its students from a total of 10 donors. In addition, the Journalism Alumni Association has two scholarships. All applicants must be undergraduate Journalism majors or graduate students in the Mass Communication program. Eligible undergrad students also have access to the $14,000 Flip Wilson Memorial Scholarship, which helps finance the senior year for one Journalism major. All recipients must send a thank-you letter to donors to receive their scholarships and enterprise/project awards.

All applications are due by 3 p.m. Friday, April 5.

Completed applications must be submitted with any pertinent attachments, via email, at jour99@csun.edu. Include your name and “2024 SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS APPLICATION” in the subject line and address your application to the Journalism Department Scholarship Committee. Note: Applications require electronic signatures. See forms for eligibility criteria and requirements.  

Winners will be announced at the Department’s annual Awards Reception and Kappa Tau Alpha initiation event on May 1. 

THE FLIP WILSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $14,000

This scholarship can be used for tuition, room, board, books and fees for a student’s senior school year. Applicants must be at least a junior, have at least a 3.0 GPA and submit a 2,500-3,000-word critical essay about the late comedian Flip Wilson’s contributions to comedy or television. Applicants must have a minimum of two or more semesters remaining to graduate. 

GOLDEN GLOBE FOUNDATION DIVERSITY FUND SCHOLARSHIP – 4 @ $2,500

This scholarship is designed to support juniors or seniors (with at least two semesters remaining to degree) from traditionally underserved communities and/or representing traditionally underrepresented groups, with demonstrated financial need. Applicants submit an essay showing how their own background would inform their journalistic or PR work to advance an accurate and comprehensive portrayal of diversity in the entertainment, media and PR industries.

KEITH GOLDSTEIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $2,000

Named for the late KCSN news director, this honors the best portfolio of work submitted by a junior-level journalism undergraduate, regardless of emphasis. Submissions must show creative, independent and critical-thinking ability; high ethical and research standards; diversity of subjects and people portrayed; and/or diversity of publics and communities engaged.

MANLEY WITTEN MEMORIAL AWARD – $2,000

Named for the late Sundial publisher, this honors the best portfolio of work submitted by a journalism student, regardless of emphasis or seniority. Submissions must show creative, independent and critical-thinking ability; high ethical and research standards; diversity of subjects and people portrayed; and/or diversity of publics and communities engaged.

MASS COMMUNICATION GRADUATE STUDENT PORTFOLIO AWARD – $2,000

Awarded to the best portfolio of work by a Mass Communication graduate student. The portfolios must show creative, independent and critical-thinking ability; high ethical and research standards; diversity of subjects and people portrayed; and/or diversity of publics and communities engaged.

TOM REILLY STUDENT JOURNALISM ENTERPRISE FUND – 2 @ $2,000

Named for the late faculty member and longtime department chair, this scholarship provides funding to support project or enterprise, which is part of a student’s curriculum. Journalism majors / Mass Communication graduate students eligible. Must be at least a junior, full-time status. Preference: Projects/ enterprises that engage news reporting and presentation.

NATIONAL NOTARY ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP – 2 @ $1,500

The National Notary Association Scholarships will be awarded to junior journalism majors who demonstrate academic merit and financial need. Applicants must have at least a 2.8 GPA and be entering their junior year in Fall 2024.

LYNNE M. DOLL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,200

Awarded to a junior-level journalism major who has shown a marked capability for non-profit public relations by involvement in community and volunteer activities. The scholarship is supported by contributions from her family, friends and colleagues. 

JOURNALISM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION — 2 @ $1,000 

Awarded to junior or senior journalism majors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit a brief essay explaining why the applicant is interested in pursuing a career in journalism or public relations, including their professional and personal goals.  In addition, two or three published or unpublished samples of the applicant’s work is required. Applicants enroll in at least 12 units in the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. Link to application: https://csun.academicworks.com/opportunities/4265. 

LISA ENDIG JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000

Awarded to a journalism undergraduate or graduate student who shows outstanding ability in writing for broadcast or print media. Serious consideration will be given to students who are overcoming difficulties while continuing their education.

ROY S. AKERS JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP – $500

This scholarship is open to CSUN Journalism majors with strong interest in magazine journalism. Applicants must be full-time Journalism majors, entering their junior or senior year, and have a minimum of one more semester, with at least 12 units, remaining to graduate. No GPA restrictions.