Application Criteria and Process

The Headliners Foundation annually awards scholarships to outstanding undergraduate communication students and college journalists attending universities across the state of Texas.

 
 
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Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate students attending colleges and universities across the state of Texas are eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate an active interest in writing and journalism and the talent for and the commitment to journalism. Eligibility is determined per semester, and scholarships are funded by semester. Students who are chosen to receive scholarships must be enrolled for at least nine hours of course work under their degree plan for the academic school year. Internships and other professional activities pursued by students must be journalism related.

Application materials are expected to exhibit a good prose style and the use of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and attention to detail.

Applications must include the following required elements (incomplete applications will not be accepted):


1. General Information

  • Personal and educational information and summary of honors.

  • University transcript: Upload a valid copy of your university transcript. The transcript may be printed from online record; an official transcript is not required.


2. Essay (no more than 300 words).

Students may now choose one of three possible essay questions to answer:

  1. Why is a free press critical to a democracy?

  2. What’s the difference between journalism and advocacy, and is that distinction important?

  3. Please cite one example of a work of journalism that changed your mind on a specific topic or changed your world view and explain why.

It is recommended that you use the essay as an opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants.


3. LetterS of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation from student’s teacher, employer or mentor are required. A list of other references/endorsements will be accepted, but is not required.


4. Work Samples

At least two but no more than four samples. Describe your role in determining and producing/creating the subject matter by uploading a short summary description page accompanying the samples, which should be uploaded as pdf or jpg or URL links. The scholarship judging process is competitive, so consider submitting your best portfolio samples in the application.

  • For video samples, please upload your examples to YouTube, Vimeo or a similar video presentation site.

  • For audio files, please upload in a compressed format such as Mp3 and do not exceed 10 MB per example.


5. Financial information of student and parents.

Please contact our Executive Director should you have questions about the criteria or application process.

You are encouraged to gather the documents you need for the application, such as a transcript, letters of recommendation, and work samples before starting the application. You may save the application and come back later to complete it if need be. Please follow the directions on the form and email the Executive Director if you have any questions or concerns.