Scholarships are only for continuing students. Applications are only accepted in the Spring Term. Specific dates will be noted in the Weekly Wire.

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship candidates must be University of Miami students enrolled in the School of Communication. Applicants will be considered for both need and merit based, renewable awards. Candidates must be currently enrolled full-time and carry a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

STEVEN SOTLOFF: AN AMERICAN HERO

Steven Joel Sotloff Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund provided by 2Lives: Steven Joel Sotloff Memorial Foundation. Sotloff was a journalist who wrote for several publications including TIME, The Christian Science Monitor, The Washington Post, and The L.A. Times. In August 2013, Sotloff was kidnapped by ISIS after crossing the border into Syria from Turkey. Over a year later, in September 2014, his murder was reported. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursuing journalism who demonstrates both academic success and financial need.

WINE SPECTATOR SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

The scholarships will be awarded to financially deserving students in the School of Communication who demonstrate an interest in wine, wine culture, food, and hospitality. The interest will be demonstrated through a competition in which students are invited to submit work via written, recorded, or visual materials. The work should reflect the spirit and content of Wine Spectator Magazine as well as demonstrating the skills acquired in the SoC. The quantity and amount of the scholarships, as well as the selection of the recipients, will be determined by the Dean of the School of Communication and/or his/her designee.

Required Supplemental Material: 

    • Personal Statement – Answer the following question(s) in 250-500 words max.
      • What is your submission/project about? How will this scholarship help you?
    • Wine Spectator Project – may be written, recorded, or visual materials.

GREG AND MARY SHEPHERD EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ENDOWED FUND

The Greg and Mary Shepherd Experiential Learning Endowed Fund honors the service of Dean Shepherd, who championed active commerce between the classroom and the professional world during his time at UM. Under Dean Shepherd, experiential learning opportunities flourished within every field of the SoC, including internship opportunities, student media, Orange Umbrella, the Debate Team, school-run programs in New York and Los Angeles, job shadow offerings, conferences, and much more. This fund will be used to support undergraduate and/or graduate students with financial need who wish to participate in experiential learning opportunities, broadly defined, as approved by the Associate Dean of the School of Communication.

Required Supplemental Material: 

    • Personal Statement – Answer the following question(s) in 250-500 words max.
      • What is your learning experience about? How will this scholarship help you?
    • Budget outlining how the funds will be utilized.

M. SHANKEN COMMUNICATIONS, SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FUND

M. Shanken Communications is a magazine publisher best known for Wine Spectator, Whisky Advocate, and Cigar Aficionado. This scholarship shall be used for an exclusive, all-expenses paid tour of Wine Spectator, M. Shanken Communications, and New York City. Applicants will be interviewed for selection.

SOC INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This scholarship shall be used to provide financial assistance to continuing students for internship credit, living expenses, and other related costs associated with pursuing internships. The scholarship may also be used to supplement students that are conducting internships virtually.

DR. STANLEY L. HARRISON MEMORIAL ENDOWED

This scholarship shall be used to aid undergraduate continuing students studying public relations who demonstrate proficient writing ability.

Required Supplemental Material: 

    • Two-page minimum double-spaced essay about the Ethics in Political Communication and Public Relations
    • (3) Letters of Recommendation from Faculty are required

FIRST FEATURE FILM FUND

This scholarship aims to support continuing students creating their first theatrical feature film.  Funds will help offset costs in filming on location, editing and distribution for students producing their first feature film.  By giving students the support and resources to make feature films, we give them the opportunity to work just like professionals.

Required Supplemental Material: 

    • Personal Statement – Answer the following question(s) in 250-500 words max.
      • What is your submission/project about? How will this scholarship help you?
    • Budget outlining how the funds will be utilized.

SUZANNE RAYSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Scholarship assistance for continuing students in the School of Communication who have demonstrated an interest in Sports Broadcasting in the Broadcast Journalism Program.

SOC EMERGENCY FUND

Relief to benefit undergraduate student(s) majoring in the School of Communication who are experiencing unexpected financial hardship.

ROBERT STAHR HOSMON FUND

The Robert Stahr Hosmon Fund is to provide graduating seniors (undergraduate) who are majoring in Motion Pictures with severe financial need the assistance that they need to graduate.

The students and the amounts awarded will be at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Communication or his/her designee.

MICHELLE KAUFMAN AND DAVE BARRY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

The Michelle Kaufman and Dave Barry Scholarship provides scholarship assistance to undergraduate journalism students with financial need and academic merit at the University of Miami School of Communication.

Required Supplemental Material: 

    • Two-page minimum double-spaced essay describing your personal background, interest in journalism, and financial need for this scholarship.

JIMMY BURNS JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Tropical Park, Hialeah, and Gulfstream racetracks in honor of the late Jimmy Burns, who, for 23 years was a sports editor of the Miami Hearld. Awards of full or partial tuition are made to the Miami-Dade Community College graduates who attend the School of Communication and major in Journalism. Additional Requirements: Must be a transfer student from Miami-Dade College, and currently majoring in Journalism & Media Management.

Required Supplemental Material: 

    • Two-page minimum double-spaced essay describing your personal background, interest in journalism, and financial need for this scholarship.

BRICKELL JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP

New scholarship to provide funding for undergraduate journalism students.

Required Supplemental Material: 

    • Two-page minimum double-spaced essay describing your personal background and interest in journalism.

ELIZABETH BRUM SCHOLARSHIP

New scholarship for undergraduate juniors and seniors who demonstrate a financial need. Additional Requirements: Must have been in the School of Communication since freshman year. If a senior, must be returning in fall.

Required Supplemental Material: 

    • In 250 words max, describe your journey in the School of Communication, your career goals, and your financial need for this scholarship.

JOHNNY C. TAYLOR, JR. COMMUNICATION BRIDGE PROGRAM FUND

Through a generous gift from alumnus Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., the University of Miami School of Communication is establishing the Johnny C. Taylor Jr. Communication Bridge. The Communication Bridge Program Fund is an initiative designed to provide students with transformational experiences that inspire empathy through intercultural communication, building cultural competencies in diverse settings. The program provides support for undergraduate students majoring in the School of Communication and graduate students enrolled in the school’s academic programs who demonstrate a keen interest in intercultural communication experience and a commitment to personal and cultural growth. This support can be utilized for academic programs, internships, or supervised research. Appropriate academic programs could include study abroad, language immersion, cultural exchange, or other relevant academic courses. Internships may be taken for academic credit. Research proposals describe the purpose and process of the research, and how that will contribute to academic program progress. Funded students will be expected to submit a reflection essay by August 15, 2024, considering their experiences in the summer program.

Additional Requirements: Proposed experiences must be conducted between May and August of 2024. Typically, summer activities will be accomplished within eight weeks. Approval from a SoC faculty supervisor

Required Supplemental Material: Proposal submissions should not exceed 500 words, exclusive of additional documentation. Documentation concerning an academic program or internship should be attached. Proposals should include the following:

    1. Proposed Communication Bridge Experience
      • Description of home and host community
      • Significance of proposed experience in host community
    2. Proposed Summer Activity
      • Explain type of academic, internship, or research activity
      • Describe your relationship with the agency, organization, or host community.
      • Include information about the program or sponsoring agency (attach)
    3. Designated faculty mentor support
      • University of Miami School of Communication faculty
      • Brief statement and signature in support of your proposed summer activity.

THE JOANNA JARA COMMUNICATION AWARD

Joanna Jara graduated from UM School of Communication with a degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2019. Sadly, Joanna Jara lost her battle to osteosarcoma, a cancer of the bones, on November 26th, 2019. Despite her difficult battle with cancer, Joanna managed to leave a lasting impression at WVUM, as she often stated working at the radio station was one of her favorite things about being a student at UM. To honor their daughter’s memory and her love of WVUM, Joanna’s parents created the Joanna Jara Communication Award. The goal is to have students create messages to promote the Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Initiative and its importance to young adults fighting cancer. Winning entries will be awarded cash prizes and will have their work aired on WVUM and other local radio stations, as well as posted on social media.

Submission Guidelines:

    1. What — Students must create a communication campaign with a minimum of three submission elements that must include the following:
      • 30 second radio PSA
      • Video for Social Media
      • Social Media Post
    2. Objectives for Campaign — To raise awareness of…
      • The prevalence of cancer in the AYA (15-35) age group. Cancer is a leading cause of death from disease in that age group and yet, there is a significant gap regarding knowledge of the causes, treatment and survivorship among that age group.
      • The unique developmental, medical, and psychosocial issues cancer patients in the AYA group face makes their treatment even more challenging.
      • The AYA Program at UM’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This is a program that hosts monthly events including support dinners where AYA patients come to socialist and help them receive the emotional, social, and psychological support they need to make it through their treatment and beyond.
    3. Target —
      • While the campaign should be relevant to society as a whole, the primary target is young adults who have a friend with cancer or who want to help another young adult who is going through cancer treatment.
    4. Call to Action —
      • Reach out to someone in the 15-35 age group who is fighting cancer to help them feel less lonely and isolated.
      • Volunteer to participate in the AYA Program at Sylvester.
      • Befriend AYA survivors and help them to integrate back into their studies, their job, and their lives.

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Graduates: These scholarships are handled by the graduate office at the School of Communication. Contact the graduate office directly at socgrad@miami.edu.

DEAN R. DRURY SCREENWRITER’S SCHOLARSHIP:

Awarded to graduate student(s) majoring in Screenwriting. Preference is given to Florida residents in financial need.

EVELYN Y. DAVIS GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP IN JOURNALISM:

Established by the noted financial writer and commentator. Awarded to graduate student(s) majoring in Print or Broadcast journalism that are U.S. citizens. Preference will be given to students with an interest in financial, tourism, or political reporting.

JAMES BATTEN ENDOWED GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP:

Named for the late President and CEO of Knight-Ridder, Inc. Awarded to graduate student(s) majoring in Print Journalism.

KNIGHT-RIDDER INC. JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP:

Awarded to a qualified minority graduate student majoring in Print Journalism.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI OFFICE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHOLARSHIPS

In conjunction with the School of Communication and the Office of Financial Assistance, the scholarships are part of the financial aid awarding process. Upon receipt of a processed FAFSA by the published deadlines, students will be considered at that time for all available resources. Information about how to apply for financial aid and completing a FAFSA can be obtained at www.miami.edu/ofas. For more information, please visit the Applying for Aid section of the Undergraduate Financial Assistance website.

THE FOLLOWING SCHOLARSHIPS ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND REQUIRE A FAFSA APPLICATION:

BERNARD CAMMARATA SCHOLARSHIP: Created by the Chairman of the Board of TJX Companies, Inc. to benefit students in the School of Communication of unexpected financial hardship. Awarded to undergraduate student(s) majoring in the School of Communication.

BILL COSFORD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Named in honor of the late Bill Cosford, long-time film critic for The Miami Herald and former instructor at the School of Communication. Awarded to student(s) majoring in Motion Picture.

CEFALO FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP: Created by School of Communication alumnus and faculty member Carolyn Cefalo and her family. Awarded to undergraduate student(s) majoring in Broadcasting, Broadcast Journalism or Video/Film.

EDWARD J. PFISTER SCHOLARSHIP: Named after the founding Dean of the School of Communication. Awarded to all School of Communication undergraduates.

GERALDINE COLE SCHOLARSHIP: Awarded to undergraduate student(s) majoring in the School of Communication.

HANK MEYER PUBLIC RELATIONS SCHOLARSHIP: Established by the late Hank Meyer, Trustee Emeritus of the University of Miami, and president of Hank Meyer Associates, Inc., a Miami public relations firm. Awarded to undergraduate majoring in Public Relations.

HARRY & MYRTLE RATHNER JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP: Established by the late Mrs. Rathner, a former executive with The Miami News, in honor of her husband. Awarded to undergraduate students majoring in Print Journalism.

HERB RAU JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP: Established by the late Herb Rau, a longtime columnist with The Miami News. Awarded to undergraduate student(s) majoring in Print Journalism. Preference is given to students in financial need.

HOMER EUGENE FORD ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Funded by a bequest from Alice Witherspoon Ford in honor of her late son. Awarded to student(s) majoring in Broadcasting or Broadcast Journalism.

ILA ROSENBAUM MEMORIAL SCREENWRITING SCHOLARSHIP: David Isaacs, an alumnus of the University of Miami, writer and script editor of the television series M*A*S*H, and producer of the series Cheers, established this scholarship in memory of his aunt, who helped him prepare for his career. Awarded to undergraduate female student(s) specializing in screenwriting.

J.E. WEIDBERG SCHOLARSHIP: Awarded to undergraduate student(s) majoring in the School of Communication.

JOHN & MARJORIE KEASLER JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP: Named in honor of the late John Keasler, a former columnist with The Miami News, and his wife Marjorie. Awarded to student(s) majoring in Print Journalism.

JUDY WALLACE COMMUNICATION SCHOLARSHIP: Established by television producer Michael Robin (class of 1985) in honor of Professor Emeritus Wallace. Awarded to undergraduate student(s) majoring in Broadcasting and Broadcast Journalism.

KERMIT & MICKEY SCHAFER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP: Kermit Schafer, distinguished radio/television/recording producer and author, gave particular attention to film including but not limited to those desiring careers working in the field of comedy. In his honor, the Foundation awards scholarships to student(s) major in Broadcasting, Motion Picture and Video-Film working in the field of comedy.

LOUIS WOLFSON II COMMUNICATION SCHOLARSHIP: Funded by a bequest from Col. Mitchell Wolfson, founder of Wometco Enterprises. Awarded to undergraduate student(s) majoring in Broadcasting, Broadcast Journalism, Motion Picture or Video-Film.

MARC DAVID MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Established by family and friends in memory of the late Marc David, a Motion Picture student. Awarded to junior or senior undergraduate student(s) majoring in Motion Picture or Video/Film.

NICHOLAS DANIEL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Lennar Foundation, Inc. for the School of Communication at the University of Miami. The endowment will be distributed to provide scholarship assistance for eligible students majoring in broadcast/video production, advertising, public relations, and communication studies and to provide support for students enrolled in the special minority educational communication programs offered by the School of Communication.

RICHARD SIRKIN MEMORIAL JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP: The late Richard Sirkin was a journalist who retired in South Florida. His wife, Ruth Sirkin, established this scholarship in his memory. Awarded to undergraduate student(s) majoring in Print Journalism.

RON HELF TELEVISION SCHOLARSHIP: Established by his mother in memory of Ron Helf, a University alumnus. Awarded to student(s) majoring in the School of Communication.

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP: Funded by alumni of the School of Communication. Awarded to student(s) majoring in the School of Communication.

TONY PFISTER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Named for the late son of the founding Dean of the School of Communication, Edward J. Pfister.

EV CLAY/PRSA MIAMI CHAPTER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: The Ev Clay Memorial fund was established in 1985 and expanded by the Miami Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in 1988. Awarded to undergraduate student(s) majoring in the School of Communication that are also members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). The award(s) will be based on financial need, grade point average and level of participation in PRSSA activities.

JIMMY BURNS JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Tropical Park, Hialeah, and Gulfstream race tracks in honor of the late Jimmy Burns who, for 23 years, was sports editor of The Miami Herald. Awards of full or partial tuition are made to Miami-Dade Community College graduates who attend the School of Communication and major in Print Journalism.

LUCY CHATELAIN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Mr. Alain and Dr. Michel Dupagne in memory of their mother Lucy Chatelain. Awarded to student(s) majoring in Media Management.