The Asian American Journalists Association Pacific Islander Task Force is excited to announce a new scholarship fund to support Pacific Islander students and journalists in their careers in partnership with the Native American Journalists Association.
The funding is intended to help Indigenous peoples of the Pacific, including Polynesians, Micronesians and Melanesians, pursue careers in journalism, especially in the U.S. and U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands.
The scholarship was created with support from The Omidyar Group and is administered by the Native American Journalists Association. It was created in partnership with the AAJA Pacific Islander Task Force as part of the group’s commitment to supporting Pacific Islanders in journalism.
The goal is to improve Oceania representation and storytelling in the news media industry.
Up to two scholarships of $4,500 each will be awarded each year. The funding can be used for a variety of needs, including but not limited to:
- Funding salary and related expenses to enable students to take summer internships at news organizations
- Subsidizing tuition for students who are pursuing higher education and intend to pursue journalism as a career
- Paying student loan balances for journalists who are working at news organizations
- Funding professional development and training opportunities
Applications can be submitted online at this link. Learn more here. Given the broad potential uses of the money, applicants should specify how they intend to use the funds and fulfill the mission of the scholarship fund. The deadline is May 31.
In addition to the funding, recipients will receive membership to NAJA or AAJA as well as complimentary registration to either the NAJA or AAJA conference.
Tax-deductible donations can be made to the fund through the Native American Journalists Association. Donors should add a note specifying the money is intended for the Pacific Islander Journalists Scholarship.
If you have any questions about applying to this fund or making a tax-deductible donation to it, please contact Sheena Roetman at sroetman@naja.com.
