Scholarships for Black Journalists: A Comprehensive Guide
This article provides a detailed overview of various scholarship opportunities available to Black students pursuing careers in journalism and related fields. These scholarships aim to support the next generation of journalists and promote diversity in the media landscape.
Les Brownlee Memorial Scholarship
The Chicago Headline Club and the Chicago Headline Club Foundation offer the Les Brownlee Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established to honor the late Chicago journalist Les Brownlee, a trailblazing figure who was the first African American Society of Professional Journalists member and the first Black president of the Chicago Headline Club. The application deadline is April 6, 2026.
About Les Brownlee
Brownlee's journalism career began as a reporter for Ebony Magazine, and he later joined the Chicago Defender. In 1950, he became the first Black reporter to join the staff of the Chicago Daily News. Throughout his career, he also worked for several radio stations, including WBBM-AM, and television stations, including WLS-TV, where he won an Emmy Award for editorial writing in 1975.
Scholarship Details
Molly McDonough, president of the Chicago Headline Club Foundation, stated that "The Les Brownlee Scholarship is a prime example of our commitment to support and develop the next generation of journalists.” The foundation is an IRS-recognized 501c3 nonprofit devoted to providing education and related services to Chicago-area journalism. The Chicago Headline Club is the local professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and membership is half-price for students.
General Scholarship Opportunities
While the Les Brownlee Scholarship specifically targets aspiring journalists in the Chicago area, several other scholarships are available to students nationwide, regardless of their chosen field of study.
Read also: Funding for Black Students
"Be Bold" Scholarship
The "Be Bold" Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. It takes less than 2 minutes to apply. To us, boldest does not mean "best", or "most accomplished". The Scholarship is open to all residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, age 17 or older at the time of entry. Employees and contractors of LeverEdge Association are ineligible to participate in the Scholarship Program.
Scholarships360 "No Essay" Scholarship
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education.
Niche Scholarships
Niche can help with every step of the college search including paying for it.
Christian Connector Scholarship
The Christian Connector offers various scholarship drawings for Christian/Faith Based colleges and universities. Since 1995, their mission has been to help connect students with the right schools for them. Carnegie Dartlet, the organization that houses CollegeXpress, is an educational publisher and higher education marketing agency.
StudentScholarships.org Scholarship
Anyone who is between the ages of 14-25 who will be attending school in the Fall of 2026 is eligible for this scholarship. This scholarship is provided by StudentScholarships.org.
Read also: The Black List Internship
National Black Nurses Association Scholarships
The National Black Nurses Association offers scholarships to students at all levels, from LPN to Doctorate. Applications and supporting materials will ONLY be accepted electronically via the Community Force platform.
Army ROTC Scholarships
Scholarships and other monetary support are available to help with costs when you join Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Focus on your education and graduate into a secure path as an Army Officer-and with less debt for the school years your scholarship covers.
NAACP Inspire Initiatives Scholarships
Each year, the NAACP offers need-based and merit scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees as part of their Inspire Initiatives program. Through the generosity of their donors, they advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life. Their scholarships range in award amount, academic interests, and age. Whether you are a graduating high school senior or early in your professional career, the NAACP is pleased to provide financial opportunities and recognition to assist with collegiate and post-educational endeavors. To apply for these scholarships, you must be a member of the NAACP.
Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship
The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship honors the late Agnes Jones Jackson, a long-time NAACP member from the San Francisco branch. This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.
Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship Powered By Walmart
The Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship, powered by Walmart, is intended to assist in creating a pathway for those who desire to further their education as they enter back into society. This scholarship will be available to the formerly incarcerated or recently convicted who have completed their sentence. This scholarship is open to students who will matriculate full-time enrollment at an accredited academic institution in the Fall of 2025. This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.
Read also: The Storied Past of Black Hills State Football
Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship
The Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to male students interested in pursuing a career in engineering, chemistry, physics, and/or mathematical sciences through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.
The ED DWIGHT SCHOLARSHIP
The Ed Dwight Scholarship honors Ed Dwight, a trailblazer in the American space program and an author and sculptor. Ed was the first Black astronaut candidate; the first to enter the program, he completed the training and was fully qualified as an astronaut. This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.
The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship
The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is awarded to students interested in pursuing careers in visual/performing arts, including film, theatre, fashion, photography, graphic design, dance, music, journalism, and mass communications. Scholarships are awarded to those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
tags: #scholarships #for #black #journalists
