SAJA Scholarships

Each year, the South Asian Journalists Association and SAJA Group Inc award five scholarships worth $8,500 total:

• One $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior about to enter college;
• One $1,500 scholarship to an undergraduate college student (four-year or community college);
• Two $2,000 scholarships each to graduate-level students;
• NEW! The CNN-SAJA Scholarship for Broadcast Journalism ($2,000, for an undergraduate or graduate student with a demonstrated interest in broadcast journalism.

These annual monetary awards recognize the reporting abilities and commitment of emerging journalists. Students from across the United States, Canada and South Asia applied for the awards. The judging was conducted by SAJA professional members.

Applicants with financial hardship may be given special consideration. Recipients are expected to give back to SAJA by volunteering at the annual convention or at other events during the year. They also must provide an update of their journalist endeavors and achievements at the conclusion of the academic year.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must be:

1. of South Asian descent (includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; Indo-Caribbeans are also eligible) OR demonstrate an interest in South Asia or the diaspora
2. serious about pursuing journalism as a career and provide evidence they plan to through courses, internships or freelancing
3. one of the following: a high school senior about to enroll in an accredited college or university in North America; a current student in an accredited college or university (two-year or four-year) in North America; or a student enrolled or about to enter a graduate-level program in North America.

Note: College or graduate students graduating in May/June 2008 are eligible. Immediate relatives of SAJA Board members and judges are INELIGIBLE to apply.

EVALUATION PROCEDURE:

A committee of judges appointed by the Board of SAJA will review the applications and evaluate them on a number of subjective and objective criteria, including interest in journalism, writing skills, reasons for entering journalism, financial need and participation and enthusiasm in SAJA.

DEADLINE:

Applications must be submitted using the online form below by 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time), Friday, February 15, 2008. Applicants may be interviewed
by phone or in person by a member of the scholarship committee. Winners
will be notified in early March and will be honored at the convention.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please fill out the online application form

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

11:59 p.m. (Pacific time), Friday, February 15, 2008