Scholarships and Awards
Each year, the Journalism Department awards more than $50,000 in scholarships and awards. These opportunities are made possible by alumni, families and colleagues who invested in the next generation of journalists and communicators.
Apply for Scholarships
Complete the steps below to be considered for department scholarships. Some awards consider financial need, while others recognize academic achievement, student-media involvement and professional promise.
- File your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. Several awards consider financial need. You must have one of these applications on file to be eligible for those opportunities.
- Submit the Cal Poly Scholarship Application. Find it under Scholarship QuickLink in your My Cal Poly Portal. The Lucas Clark and Aja Goare Scholarship application is due in late September; applications for the remaining awards are due in mid-May.
Journalism Scholarships and Awards
Review the eligibility details below, then submit your application by the appropriate deadline. Award amounts and availability may vary from year to year.
| Award | Amount | Eligibility and preference | Minimum GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucas Clark and Aja Goare Scholarship, in memory of Jordan Grant | $5,000 | Sophomores and above who are active in Mustang News and demonstrate a strong commitment to journalism | Not specified |
| Kathryn D. Weinrichter and Leonard C. Sundeen Full Journalism Scholarship | Full ride for one year | Journalism majors with financial need who are pursuing a Science, Technology and Society minor | 2.5 |
| Michelle Ann Jacobson Memorial Scholarship | $2,100 average, two awards a year | Students interested in journalism, television, radio or public speaking. Preference is given to students with financial need | Not specified |
| Herb Kamm Journalism Scholarship | $1,800 | Journalism majors with financial need who plan to pursue careers in media industries | Not specified |
| Buck-Page Scholarship | $1,500 | Journalism or Graphic Communication students with financial need. The award alternates between the two majors each year | 2.5 |
| Stephen Donnellan Moss Scholarship in Journalism | $1,500 | Full-time sophomores and above with financial need. Awarded through the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation | Not specified |
| SAGE Publishing Award | $1,100 average | Sophomores and above who publish work on scientific, statistical, technical or social issues affecting the Cal Poly community. Team applications are welcome | Not specified |
| George Ramos Scholarship for Journalism Excellence | $1,000 | Juniors and seniors with a focus on print journalism. Preference is given to students interested in urban affairs reporting | 3.0 |
| Jay Garner Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 | News-editorial students who demonstrate excellence and future potential in print journalism | Not specified |
| Jim Hayes Journalism Scholarship | $1,000 | Upper-division and graduate students. Preference is given to news-editorial or agricultural journalism students | 2.7 |
| Joe and Debbie Hannigan Scholarship | $1,000 | Sophomores and above with financial need | 2.75 |
| Cellular One Scholarship | $900 average, two awards a year | Students who demonstrate an interest in the journalism major | 2.75 |
| Armistead B. Carter Award | $500, two awards | Students who demonstrate outstanding service in journalism, radio or related communication media | Not specified |
| Bette Betz Kempf Award | $500 | Journalism majors who demonstrate strong academic achievement and participation in department activities | Not specified |
| Glen H. Smith Award | $500 | An outstanding journalism major who participates in department activities | Not specified |
| June Land Memorial Scholarship Endowment | Varies | Journalism majors who hold leadership roles in student media | 2.5 |
| Shein Hwei (Sarah) Niu Scholarship | Varies | Journalism majors, including first-time first-year students. Merit-based; no application required | 3.0 |
The People Behind the Awards
Most of these funds carry someone's name. Their stories reflect the professional excellence, service and generosity that continue to support Cal Poly students.
- George Ramos was a three-time Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and a longtime chair of the Journalism Department. His leadership and professional example helped shape generations of Cal Poly journalists.
- Jim Hayes served for decades as department chair, mentoring hundreds of students who went on to careers in journalism, public relations and communications.
- Herb Kamm devoted 50 years to working journalism, bringing extensive professional experience and a lifelong commitment to the field.
- June Land was a self-taught reporter known for her independence, persistence and willingness to pursue the truth.
- Glen H. Smith taught journalism and advised the yearbook, helping students develop their reporting, writing and publication skills.
- Shein Hwei “Sarah” Niu served the Cal Poly community for many years through her work at the Robert E. Kennedy Library.
- Jordan Grant is remembered by his family through an award recognizing two local journalists, Lucas Clark and Aja Goare.
- Bette Betz Kempf is honored through the support and remembrance of her husband, David Kempf.
- Michelle Ann Jacobson is remembered as a Cal Poly student whose life and connection to the university continue to be honored.
- Armistead B. Carter has been recognized through an endowment established in 1977, creating a lasting legacy of support.
Explore Additional Opportunities
We share external scholarship opportunities year-round on social media and in our weekly opportunity report. The San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation also offers an annual scholarship for journalism students.
Questions?
Contact the Journalism Department. We will be glad to help you identify the right next step.