Prizes & Scholarships
The School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) offers a number of scholarships, prizes, and other special opportunities each year to enhance our students' abilities to pursue their academic goals and be recognized for their achievements.
Additional scholarship and other funding opportunities are announced to students in the weekly “Rundown” newsletter. Questions about these opportunities can be sent to Sarah Morrisette at [email protected].
Please note that all opportunities listed here are for undergraduate majors and M.A. candidates within SMPA — minors and students enrolled in other programs at GW are not eligible.
Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
Cokie and Steve Roberts SMPA Student Support Fund
Named in honor of groundbreaking broadcast journalist, the late Cokie Roberts, and her husband, Steve Roberts, the J.B. and M.C. Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs, the Cokie and Steve Roberts SMPA Student Support Fund will provide support for School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) undergraduate students as they pursue their education at GW.
The purpose of this fund is to support students facing financial hardship, including unmet need and financial emergencies. In the spirit of Cokie and Steve, the fund will support as many students as possible each semester and students with the greatest need will be given priority. Cokie and Steve Roberts SMPA Student Support Fund awards typically range up to $7,500.
Learn More and Apply for the Fund
Fall Semester Prize and Scholarship Opportunities
Manheim-Sterling Undergraduate Research Prizes
Named in honor of two legendary SMPA faculty members, the Manheim-Sterling Undergraduate Research Prizes are designed to support and encourage outstanding mentored undergraduate research and creative activity. SMPA awards two prizes each academic year, one for a political communication major and one for a journalism and mass communication major. Students must have an SMPA faculty mentor for their project to qualify for these prizes. The prizes are designed to afford students an opportunity to partake of the many benefits that result from undertaking a serious research project or creative work and from establishing a close mentoring relationship with a faculty member.
Spring Semester Prize and Scholarship Opportunities
SMPA Career Action Network (SMPA CAN) Internship Fund Prizes
The SMPA Career Action Network (SMPA CAN) Fund supports students with financial hardship pursuing summer internship experiences at established media organizations that they otherwise might not be able to afford. This prize has a separate application process from other spring opportunities and awards are available for rising seniors.
Larry King Scholarships: Created by the former CNN personality who never attended college, this award goes to rising seniors with demonstrated financial need who have superior academic records.
Sherman Page Allen Scholarships: This scholarship is open to first years, sophomores and juniors if they display a desire to specialize in the field of journalism. The scholarship was endowed in 1966 through a bequest from the estate of Violet B. Robinson.
Gridiron Foundation Scholarships: Created in 1975 by the Gridiron, a long-standing organization of Washington-based journalists, these merit-based awards are open to first years, sophomores and juniors, but consideration will be given to financial need and minority status.
Schneider-Taylor Scholarship: This scholarship, established by the parents of a recent graduate, provides “need-based” aid to a first year, sophomore or junior.
Eaton Foundation Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship provides aid for SMPA seniors in the dual degree program. The letter to the awards committee should outline previously received honors, awards and other reasons for special consideration.
Philip L. Graham Fund Scholarship for Diversity: Named for the late publisher of The Washington Post, these awards give preference to students from underrepresented groups including, but not limited to, women and individuals of diverse backgrounds. Only first years, sophomores and juniors should apply.
Essary Prize: The School of Media and Public Affairs oldest prize, created in 1948 to honor the memory of Jesse Frederick Essary, the award goes “to a student who has given promise of sound citizenship and ability in 'forthright reporting'.” This is a writing award, open to all SMPA students, and requires a portfolio of at least five examples of published or broadcast work from campus-based news outlets or professional outlets outside of class.
Hoberman Prize: Created by the family of a recent graduate, this merit-based award is open to all SMPA students and is awarded for original and meaningful journalism. That work can take any form—print, video, audio, photography or a combination of multimedia platforms. The prize will honor reporting that demonstrates depth, originality and a connection to either a local or global community.
Dorothy and Will Roberts Prize: This prize was created by Professor Steven Roberts in the name of his parents. It is given to graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic achievement, professional promise and community service.
Stephen Holly Bronz Memorial Fund for Journalism: Established in 1982 by gift of Pearl B. Holly, M.D., in memory of her son Stephen Holly Bronz, the income to be used to encourage and assist student journalism.
Applications open for these awards on January 20, 2025, and close on March 9, 2025.
Please send any questions to Sarah Morrisette at [email protected].
Graduate Scholarship Opportunities
Larry King Scholarships: Created by the former CNN personality who never attended college, this award goes to continuing graduate students with demonstrated financial need and who have superior academic records. To apply, students must submit a statement (400 words or less) describing your achievements and specifying the amount needed for tuition relief and the reason for the request. Please also submit unofficial GW transcripts and a resume. The number and amount of awards will vary year-to-year depending on available funding and student need. (Some students may not be eligible to receive this award. For example, students who are already receiving funding from GW may not be eligible for additional funding that exceeds GW's cap.)
Please send any questions to Sarah Morrisette at [email protected].