SUNCOAST CHAPTER

Scholarships

Applications are open

January 15, 2025 — March 1, 2025

COLLEGE
HIGH SCHOOL

Scholarships

The Suncoast Chapter offers scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors and to college and university students who reside within the Suncoast Region, which includes the State of Florida, the State of Louisiana, the Mobile–Pensacola Market area, and Puerto Rico. In order to be eligible, students must plan to attend or currently attend a four-year college or university in the Suncoast Region and must have a declared major in Communications/Broadcasting with a concentration in television.

Former Suncoast Chapter Executive Director, Bob Behrens, was dedicated to fostering excellence in journalism through philanthropic efforts. His vision, prior to his passing, was to contribute to the education of innovative, high-achieving students pursuing a career in communications and broadcasting.

Since 2012, our chapter has awarded over $742,000 dollars in scholarship funds. In 2024, the Suncoast Chapter awarded scholarship funds to 13 students totaling $56,500, including, Billie Brightman who received the $10,000 Bob Behrens Scholarship, a special award given to a student who embodies enterprising journalism and innovation in the industry.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicant must reside within the SUNCOAST REGION that includes the State of Florida, the State of Louisiana, the Mobile–Pensacola Market area and Puerto Rico and MUST plan to attend or currently attend an accredited college or university in the SUNCOAST REGION.
  • Be a high school graduating senior or a college student (undergraduate student ONLY) with a declared major in Communications/Broadcasting with a concentration in television.
  • Applicant MUST already be accepted to a college/university.
  • Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Submit an unofficial transcript.
  • Submit a resume along with the application.
  • Submit a one-page bio.
  • Submit one of the two essay questions below (250 to 350 words):
    1. As audience content consumption via mobile devices continues to increase, a "mobile-first" content strategy is rapidly gaining traction. Explore what this trend means for the broadcast industry in terms of content planning, production techniques and distribution strategies as they aim to reach wider audiences.
    2. Audiences seek personalized and multi-platform experiences now more than ever. How do you think broadcasters can leverage the vast amount of available data to produce personalized content and what will this continued trend mean for the broadcast industry as a whole?
  • Share links for two projects you’ve worked on along with a brief description of what your role was on each project.

High School Scholarship Application

Submit application by March 1, 2025

Projects:
Share links for two projects you’ve worked on along with a brief description of what your role was on each project:
Letter of Recommendation:
Please arrange to have one letter of recommendation from a faculty member sent separately to the Suncoast Scholarship Committee at emmysuncoast@gmail.com
Please note: The letter should attest to character attributes such as integrity and leadership.

College Scholarship Application

Submit application by March 1, 2025

Projects:
Share links for two projects you’ve worked on along with a brief description of what your role was on each project:
Letter of Recommendation:
Please arrange to have one letter of recommendation from a faculty member sent separately to the Suncoast Scholarship Committee at emmysuncoast@gmail.com
Please note: The letter should attest to character attributes such as integrity and leadership.