SPJ/JEA High School Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Society of Professional Journalists
Introduction
The SPJ Foundation, affiliated with the Society of Professional Journalists, together with the Journalism Education Association, is sponsoring an essay competition to deepen high school students’ understanding of why independent media matters. Top national entrants will receive monetary scholarships.
Who is eligible
This contest is aimed at high school students. (For full eligibility details, see the official rules on the contest website.)
Prizes
- First place: $1,000 scholarship
- Second place: $500 scholarship
- Third place: $300 scholarship
Notification and publication
Winners will be contacted by email. The winners’ names will be made public in May 2026, and the selected essays will be published on JEA.org and SPJ.org.
Official rules and entry instructions
Visit the contest website for the complete official rules and step-by-step instructions on how to enter this year’s High School Essay Contest.