The Colorado Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists has opened applications for scholarships of up to $5,000 to journalism students from or living in Colorado. And the chapter is ramping up its Mentorship Program as the new academic year gets under way. Details below.
SCHOLARSHIPS
SPJ Colorado Pro scholarships are open to high school seniors and college and university students attending any accredited U.S. college or university, says chapter President Doug Bell, chair of the SPJ Colorado Pro Chapter Scholarship Committee. To be considered, applicants must plan on entering a career in journalism and be from or living in Colorado.
The chapter is offering two categories of scholarships: The Helen Verba Award, for print and digital journalism, and the Sheldon Peterson Award, for broadcast journalism. Learn more about Helen Verba and Sheldon Peterson below.
One or more scholarships will be awarded in each category. All award amounts will be decided by the SPJ Colorado Pro Scholarship Committee.
Click here for last year’s scholarship recipients.
Offering scholarships to the journalists of tomorrow is a key part of the SPJ Colorado Pro Chapter’s mission. (Click here for information on how to join SPJ; students can join at a discount.)
Below are detailed scholarship application guidelines. Questions? Contact Doug Bell, 303-949-3264.
Applications must include:
- A concise cover letter that may include a statement of financial need. The letter should explain how the applicant intends to use the scholarship.
- An essay (no more than 500 words) illustrating the applicant’s writing abilities and plans for a career in journalism. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for content generation or editing is strictly prohibited. AI detection tools will be used.
- The names and contact information for two references.
- A current resume.
- Three work samples, which could include classroom work as well as published stories (for the Verba Award) or professional broadcast pieces (for the Peterson Award).
- Specify whether you are applying for the Helen Verba Award (for print/digital journalism) or the Sheldon Peterson Award (for broadcast journalism). Applications for both awards are accepted.
Applications must be postmarked or received at the email address below by Feb. 14, 2027.
Scholarship recipients will be notified in the spring and will be invited to attend our SPJ Top of the Rockies Awards Reception on April 10, 2027, in Denver. The scholarship money will be paid to the student’s institution.
Email completed applications to Doug Bell at: dgoal@aol.com. Or snail-mail them to: Doug Bell, Colorado SPJ Pro Scholarship Committee, 1237 S. Lincoln St., Denver, CO 80210.
About the scholarships’ namesakes:
- Helen Verba was a devoted member of Sigma Delta Chi (now known as the Society of Professional Journalists) throughout her life. She worked at The Denver Post from 1951 until her retirement in 1978. She joined The Post in its radio/TV department, worked on the society desk and became club editor in 1971. Before joining The Post staff, Verba worked for a Denver advertising agency and wrote and produced radio shows for the information department at the University of Colorado.
- Sheldon Peterson was an assistant general manager/public affairs director of KMGH-TV (Channel 7) in Denver. Peterson moved to Denver in 1938 to become a reporter for The Denver Post. He left Denver briefly to work in Chicago, but returned in 1947 to become news director at KLZ radio. In 1970, he joined what is now KMGH. Peterson was the Denver Press Club’s Communicator of the Year in 1986. He was a member of Sigma Delta Chi and the Society of Professional Journalists.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
SPJ Colorado Pro is ramping up its Mentorship Program for the academic year. Under the program, communications pros volunteer to mentor students studying at Colorado colleges.
Mentors agree to meet with mentees at least every two weeks — in person or virtually — to offer guidance and advice. Mentors will also be available at limited agreed-upon times for on-the-fly counseling and work critiques. The mentor and mentee should agree to continue the relationship for a minimum of one year.
Click here for more information on the SPJ Colorado Pro mentorship program.
Email SPJ Colorado Pro President Doug Bell at dgoal@aol.com for program guidelines and applications.
MORE FOR STUDENTS
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPJ COLORADO PRO at our website.
STAY IN TOUCH WITH SPJ COLORADO PRO on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, X.
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