The Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship is a prestigious award administered by the National Press Club and the NPC Journalism Institute. Named in honor of Richard G. Zimmerman, a long-standing member of the National Press Club who passed away in 2008, the scholarship aims to support high school seniors who aspire to pursue a career in journalism.
This scholarship is a testament to Zimmerman’s commitment to the field of journalism and his desire to foster the next generation of journalists. It is designed to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who are planning to attend an accredited college or university in the United States and have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average.
The Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship is a one-time award of $5,000. This significant amount can help alleviate the financial burden of higher education, making it more accessible for aspiring journalists. The scholarship is non-renewable, meaning it is awarded only once to each recipient.
Applicants for the Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship do not need to be U.S. citizens, making it accessible to a diverse range of students. This inclusivity aligns with the National Press Club’s commitment to promoting diversity in journalism.
Benefits:
- Financial Support: The scholarship provides a one-time award of $5,000, which can significantly alleviate the financial burden of higher education.
- Recognition: The scholarship recognizes the hard work and dedication of high school seniors who aspire to pursue a career in journalism.
- Career Advancement: The scholarship can enhance the recipient’s resume, potentially leading to more opportunities in their future journalism career.
- Access to Resources: As part of the National Press Club, the scholarship provides recipients with access to a network of professional journalists and other industry professionals.
- Promotion of Diversity: The scholarship is open to all high school seniors, regardless of their citizenship, promoting diversity in the field of journalism.
Eligibility:
- be a high school senior in the process of applying for admission to an accredited college or university in the U.S.
- have a 3.0 grade-point average or higher.
- plan to pursue a career in journalism.
Students do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for this scholarship.
Application:
Apply by clicking the “Apply” button and filling up the form.
A complete application consists of:
- A short elevator pitch: Why are you interested in journalism, and how have you pursued it so far? (no more than 150 words)
- Your most recent academic transcript (PDF)
- A 500-word essay on your interest in journalism as a career and how you’ve pursued it so far
- A description of your financial need
- Three work samples demonstrating your ability or a career interest in journalism*
- Three letters of recommendation from teachers or professors, employers, leaders of the various groups you are involved with, or other people who are most familiar with your work and work ethic.
