“Humbling and motivating” – Ira Gorawara receives AAJA’s 2026 Al Young Sports Journalism Scholarship through Sports Task Force


When Ira Gorawara’s phone buzzed with a number she didn’t recognize, she nearly didn’t answer the call. Gorawara’s grateful not to have followed her original intuition. It was Al Young on the other end of the line, informing the senior student from UCLA that she was the 2026 recipient of the $2,500 Al Young Sports Journalism Scholarship through … Continue reading “Humbling and motivating” – Ira Gorawara receives AAJA’s 2026 Al Young Sports Journalism Scholarship through Sports Task Force

“Incredibly honored” – Gareth Kwok receives AAJA’s 2026 Michael Kim Journalism Fellowship through Sports Task Force


As a 15-year-old, Gareth Kwok attended his first AAJA National Convention with his aunt. He was intrigued with the possibilities of a sports broadcasting career. He took pictures with the likes of Cary Chow, Kevin Negandhi, and Tommy Tran. And he also had a picture taken with the legend known widely throughout the AAJA community as “The Godfather” – … Continue reading “Incredibly honored” – Gareth Kwok receives AAJA’s 2026 Michael Kim Journalism Fellowship through Sports Task Force

Announcing AAJA’s 2026 Spring Scholarship, Internship, Grant, and Fellowship Recipients


The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) is proud to announce the spring 2026 recipients of our scholarships, internships, grants, and fellowships. Thank you to our judges, partners, guardians, and sponsors who contribute in various ways to make these opportunities impactful. ABC News / AAJA Alexa Valiente Summer Internship &  William Woo Print and Online News … Continue reading Announcing AAJA’s 2026 Spring Scholarship, Internship, Grant, and Fellowship Recipients

AAJA mourns the loss of Abe Kwok, “a true model for a leader”


The Asian American Journalists Association mourns the loss of Abe Kwok, a longtime AAJA leader and journalist at the Arizona Republic, who recently died at age 59. Kwok, who grew up in Tucson, began his career at The Arizona Republic in 1989 after graduating from the University of Arizona. He was a reporter for many … Continue reading AAJA mourns the loss of Abe Kwok, “a true model for a leader”

Applications are open for AAJA’s 2026 Mentor Match Cohort


Apply to AAJA’s year-long mentorship program AAJA’s Mentor Match program is back for 2026, welcoming a new group of mentors and mentees committed to learning and growth! The program is designed to spark meaningful connections and support long-term professional relationships across our community. APPLICATIONS Applications to be part of the 2026 Mentor Match cohort are … Continue reading Applications are open for AAJA’s 2026 Mentor Match Cohort

AAJA Opportunities: 2026 Scholarships, Internships & Fellowships Now Open


Explore career-building opportunities with AAJA AAJA’s 2026 Opportunities are now open! Discover scholarships, internships, and fellowships designed to support and elevate emerging and mid-career journalists across every medium – from digital and print to broadcast and radio. Explore our full list of opportunities on the Scholarships & Internships page, review eligibility details, and find the … Continue reading AAJA Opportunities: 2026 Scholarships, Internships & Fellowships Now Open

Applications Open for AAJA’s 2026 Executive Leadership Program


Submit your application by January 6, 2026 AAJA is accepting applications for the 2026 Executive Leadership Program, a professional development program which helps mid to senior career journalists and media professionals build community, grow their confidence, and develop the practical leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving media landscape. The 2026 cohort will participate … Continue reading Applications Open for AAJA’s 2026 Executive Leadership Program

Grieving the loss of Sophia Akimi Troetel


We are devastated to hear of the passing of Sophia Akimi Troetel, daughter of AAJA member Shannon Troetel. Troetel grew up attending AAJA conventions, often at her mother’s side. Photos courtesy of the Troetel family Troetel was struck and killed on Thursday, October 30, by a reckless driver in Tucson, where she was attending college … Continue reading Grieving the loss of Sophia Akimi Troetel

AAJA and AAJA-LA mourn a founder, a visionary and a friend, Dwight Chuman


AAJA is deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Dwight Chuman, one of our original six founders and a dear friend, respected peer and mentor to many in our AAJA family.  A Sansei, or third-generation Japanese American, Chuman co-founded the Asian American Journalists Association in 1981 with five other Los Angeles-based journalists – Bill … Continue reading AAJA and AAJA-LA mourn a founder, a visionary and a friend, Dwight Chuman

Applications for JCamp’s 2026 cohort are open!


Apply for AAJA’s national high school summer training program by January 11, 2026 Calling all high school journalists – don’t miss your chance to apply for JCamp 2026! Our signature program will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota from June 20-26, 2026, coinciding with AAJA’s national convention. JCamp gives students the opportunity to strengthen their reporting … Continue reading Applications for JCamp’s 2026 cohort are open!