NYABJ SCHOLARSHIP

Metropolitan area high school students interested in journalism can win up to $500, and students enrolled in colleges and universities in New York can win up to $2,500 in NYABJ's annual Stephen H. Gayle Memorial Essay Contest.

The essay contest was established in 1986 in memory of Stephen H. Gayle, a Brooklyn-based journalist whose stellar career was silenced when he suffered a fatal heart attack at age 34. Gayle was managing editor of Black Enterprise. He had also previously worked at Newsweek and the New York Post.

Essay questions are based on news coverage in the area during the year. The most recent contest asked contestants to write an essay of up to 750 words about ONE of four possible questions. In light of the World Trade Center attacks, three of the questions asked students to debate the media's coverage. As our our questions normally cover a variety of media events in New York and the nation, the 2001 contest focused on America’s War against Terrorism. The fourth question dealt with Harlem’s ongoing gentrification.

Entries are judged based on originality, creativity, style, grammar, accuracy, organization, thoroughness of reporting and depth of understanding of issues.

Contestants must submit writing samples from school or community newspapers, newsletters or other student projects, if applicable. A recommendation letter from a school counselor or instructor, preferably on school letterhead, and your high school or college transcripts (official or unofficial copies) are also required.

For over 20 years, NYABJ has provided financial support to more than 300 area African American students who are pursuing careers in journalism.

Scholarship queries may also be sent to nyabj_scholarships@yahoo.com