2025 IJA-AAJA Pacific Islander Scholarship Application

The Indigenous Journalists Association and the Asian American Journalists Association are now accepting applications for the Pacific Islander Journalism Scholarship.

The purpose of the scholarship is to improve news media representation of Pasifika peoples, particularly within the U.S. and U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands. Applicants should show a commitment to journalism and storytelling that would strengthen news coverage and representation of Indigenous peoples of the Pacific, particularly Polynesians, Micronesians and Melanesians. 

Up to two scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded in 2025. Scholarship recipients will also receive one-year student memberships to IJA and AAJA, further connecting them with professional networks and resources in the journalism community.

To support this initiative, tax-deductible donations can be made via IJA. Donors should include a note specifying that contributions are intended for the Pacific Islander Journalists Scholarship.

Application Info

Applications are due May 31. Links are required. Designating a specific place (such as a Dropbox or Google Docs), so may be accessed by the application review committee, is highly recommended. Please label each item, according to the contents (i.e. bio and purpose, resume, transcript, etc). Please ensure that all links are viewable to anyone with the link. Your materials will not be shared with anyone outside of IJA and AAJA.

For questions or inquiries about student-related programs, contact IJA Education Manager Sheena Roetman-Wynn at: sroetman@naja.com. Up to two scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded in 2025. 
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Legal Name *
Preferred Name (first and last) *
Preferred Pronouns *
Email *
Phone *
Mailing Address *
College or University *
Current AAJA or IJA member? Membership is not required for eligibility.  *
Short Bio

No more than 150 words. If selected, this will be used to promote you, your work and the scholarship.
 *
Link to website, if applicable. If selected, this will be used to promote you, your work and the scholarship. *
Social Media Handles

LinkedIn, X / Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, etc. are all acceptable. If selected, this will be used to promote you, your work and the scholarship.
Link to Recent Photo / Headshot

If selected, this will be used to promote you, your work and the scholarship. *
Who are you and why are you a good fit for receiving support from the Pacific Islander Journalism Fund?  *
Why are you pursuing journalism and how will this funding help you achieve your goals? *
What, if any, financial need do you have?  *
How do you think the news media can improve its coverage of Pacific Islander communities? What is one underreported topic in your view? *
Links to Work Samples

Please provide at least THREE samples of your work. Highlight any professional journalism experience, your portfolio (magazines or newspaper clips, tapes, etc.), or other examples. If no work samples are available, please include a detailed explanation of why. *
Link to Current Resume *
References

Please provide the names, titles and contact information (email address and/or phone number) of two professional references. *
Link or upload completed W9 (U.S. only) or W8BEN (outside the U.S.) Please ensure link is viewable to anyone. Your application will not be reviewed without a current form on file. *
Where did you hear of this opportunity?  *
Required
I give permission to IJA to use my photo and work in any program media releases, if selected as a scholarship recipient. *
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