School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) Scholarships Available For 2009-2010 Academic Year

JANET CHUSMIR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
PRINT JOURNALISM MAJORS
An endowment scholarship fund was established in 1991 in memory of Chusmir, who was a former executive editor of the Miami Herald.  She was the paper’s first female editor and guided the newspaper to two Pulitzer Prizes.  There are five $2,500 awards available to high school, undergraduate, and community college students.  For consideration, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

• a full-time (12 credits) degree-seeking student pursuing a degree in journalism (print) at FIU during the award period. 
• a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
• submit a 2-page typewritten (double-spaced) essay about your career goals, reasons for choosing the profession, and where you would like to work in the future. 

JOHN WOLIN SJMC SCHOLARSHIP
PRINT JOURNALISM MAJORS
This  endowment scholarship fund was established in 2007 by Mrs. Wolin as a memorial to her husband, John Wolin, who loved journalism and teaching young  journalists how to polish their craft.  Wolin was a reporter and editor at the Miami Herald for 21 years, who inspired readers by chronicling his experiences as an achondroplastic dwarf.  This scholarship is offering $500.  For consideration, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

• a junior or senior fully admitted into SJMC’s journalism (print) track during the award period. 

• a full-time (12 credits) degree-seeking student within the SJMC during the award period. 
• a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
• submit a 2-page typewritten (double-spaced) essay about your career goals, reasons for choosing the profession, and where you would like to work in the future. 

CASTOR ADVERTISING CORPORATION SCHOLARSHIP
ADVERTISING MAJORS
The Castor Advertising Corporation established this scholarship in 1998 to benefit talented and needy students who intend to pursue a career in advertising.  This scholarship is offering up to $1,250.00.  For consideration, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

• a full-time (12 credits) degree-seeking student pursuing a degree in advertising within the SJMC during the award period. 
• an U.S. citizen/ permanent resident. 
• a junior or senior with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• a financial need as determined by the University’s Office of Financial Aid.
• submit a brief essay of five typewritten pages (double-spaced) on the subject of “Advertising and the Hispanic Market.”  --demonstrating an interest in Hispanic and/or Hispanic-American culture and knowledge about advertising to Hispanic and Hispanic-American markets.

SOUTH FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS SCHOLARSHIP
JOURNALISM MAJORS
The South Florida Association of Black Journalists established this endowment in 1989 to provide financial assistance for young people who have demonstrated interests in pursuing a journalism career.  This scholarship is offering $500.  For consideration, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements: 

• a full-time (12 credits) student of African descent (i.e., African-American, Haitian, Caribbean, African, etc.)
• a U.S. citizen or permanent resident 
• a degree-seeking student pursuing print or broadcast journalism within the SJMC during the award period. 
• a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
• submit a 2-page typewritten (double-spaced) essay about your career goals, reasons for choosing the profession, and where you would like to work in the future. 

CBS 4/WFOR-TV SCHOLARSHIP
TELEVISION AND BROADCAST JOURNALISM MAJORS
Since 1995, the CBS Foundation and/or WFOR-TV (WCIX-TV 1992-1995) have offered scholarships for minority students in the SJMC.  This scholarship is offering up to $1,000.  For consideration, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

• a fully-admitted minority student within the SJMC pursuing a major in television or broadcast journalism
• a full-time (12 credits) student during the award period. 
• a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
• submit a 2-page typewritten (double-spaced) essay about your career goals, reasons for choosing the profession, and where you would like to work in the future. 

ABEL MESTRE SCHOLARSHIP
JOURNALISM & TELEVISION MAJORS
Abel Mestre, a radio and TV pioneer in Cuba, strongly defended the principles of a democratic system and freedom of the press.  His family established this scholarship in his memory in 2002.  This scholarship is offering $1,000.  For consideration, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

• a full-time degree-seeking student within the SJMC pursuing a major in journalism or television during the award period. 
• a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, who was born in Cuba or whose parent or grandparent was born in Cuba (submit proof). 
• a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
• submit a 2-page typewritten (double-spaced) essay about your career goals, reasons for choosing the profession, and where you would like to work in the future. 

SENATOR GWEN MARGOLIS SCHOLARSHIP
ALL SJMC MAJORS
Gwen Margolis was the first woman president of the Florida Senate from 1990-1992.  She later became a county commissioner for Miami-Dade County until she returned to the state senate in 2002, where she served until 2008.  Ms. Margolis established this endowed scholarship in 1985 as part of her “commitment to civil rights and equal educational opportunities.”  This scholarship is offering $1,000.  For consideration, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

• a full-time, African-American student pursuing any degree within the SJMC during the award period. 
• a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
• submit a 2-page typewritten (double-spaced) essay about your career goals, reasons for choosing the profession, and where you would like to work in the future

WILLIAM C. ADAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJORS
William C. Adams was one of the SJMC’s best-loved and well-respected public relations professors.  After a lengthy career in public relations and in education, he passed away in 2003,   This scholarship was established in his memory.  This scholarship is offering $1,000.  For consideration, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

• a full-time (12 credits) junior or senior fully-admitted into the SJMC pursuing a major in public relations a during the award period.   
• a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
• submit a 2-page typewritten (double-spaced) essay about your career goals, reasons for choosing the profession, and where you would like to work in the future. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE is MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2009

Application package must contain the following in this order:

• Scholarship application (select all the scholarships to which you are applying).
• Copy of all transcripts from institutions in which you have taken courses, including FIU (official or unofficial from school’s web page or from www.facts.org ).
• Copy of current SASS report (FIU students).
• Essay – Follow the specific requirement of each scholarship.
• At least one letter of recommendation (SJMC faculty preferred).
• Any other supporting documentation—such as, resumes, relevant course work, samples of your abilities, accomplishments, etc.

Submit five sets—one original and four copies— of the above-mentioned packet.

Applications will be reviewed and selection made by the SJMC Scholarship Committee in accordance with specific scholarship requirements. 

In addition to the individual scholarship stipulations, students receiving a scholarship must attend SJMC’s annual student celebration and awards ceremony on Thursday, April 2, 2009. 

Scholarship recipients must maintain full-time status (12 credits or more) during the 2009-2010 academic year (fall and spring semesters).