Alaska Professional Communicators Memorial Scholarship

 

2013 Scholarship Winners: Anne Bartholomew and Melissa Wentzel (Find out more about Anne and Melissa.)

 

What is the Alaska Professional Communicators Memorial Scholarship?

In 1981, our organization decided we wanted to do something to help people in Alaska pursue their education in our field. The scholarship is given in May, so that students can plan on the money for the fall semester. There are two $1,000 awards.

"Memorial" means the scholarship is presented in memory of Alaska Professional Communicators (formerly Alaska Press Women) members who have died, such as Betzi Woodman, Kay Kennedy, Phyllis Carlson, Jimmy Bedford, Chris McClain, Jo Ann Wold, Natalie Gottstein, Elizabeth Plank, Suzan Nightingale, John Killoran, Bea Rose and Nancy Cain Schmidt. Their spirit lives on in our scholarship winners.

How do I apply?

The scholarship coordinator is Connie Huff chuff@alaskapublic.org 907-550-8464

What is the next application deadline?

Applications must arrive or be postmarked by April 4th.

What are you looking for in a candidate?

First, we are looking for currently enrolled college students with promise in journalism or public communications fields, and the likelihood that the student will enter these fields. 

The scholarship has usually been given to a student beyond freshman year, since often it is difficult to focus on a professional goal when beginning a college education.

This scholarship is not for high school students.

Second, we are seeking  students who truly needs the scholarship – a student to whom the money would make a real difference. 

Third, we are looking for a student who is progressing well scholastically. Grades are NOT the primary consideration. Subjective evaluations by the student's instructors or employers are more important.

The scholarship is open to men and women students majoring in any phase of public communications, including journalism, public relations, advertising, radio-television, video, and print. 

We would consider someone majoring in a field other than public communications who is fairly certain of entering the media profession. We do not limit the scholarship to women. 

If you have won or competed for this scholarship in the past and are still an undergraduate student, you are welcome to compete again.

What do I submit?

  1. A resume, listing professional and extracurricular job experience. Please state your scholastic level (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior) and your expected date of graduation.
  2. A complete college transcript, containing all college work whether in Alaska or elsewhere.  
  3. A statement written by you, presenting your career goals and explaining why you desire the scholarship.  
  4. At least one letter of recommendation from a person (or people) who know you and your work.
  5. Up to three samples of your work, preferably published or produced (newspaper stories, ads, documented PR campaigns, video tapes, web pages, radio or television programs on tape). The samples are considered optional but will enhance your application.
  6. Alaska Professional Communicators Memorial Scholarship Form