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.

Scholarship funds can be used for a variety of career-advancing purposes, including:

• Covering salary and related expenses for students undertaking summer internships at news organizations.

• Subsidizing tuition for students pursuing higher education with the intent to enter the journalism field.

• Paying off student loan balances for journalists currently working in the news industry.

• Supporting professional development and training opportunities.

Given the flexibility of funding, applicants should specify how they plan to use the funds in alignment with the scholarship’s mission. 

Apply here.

Applications are due May 31.

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.

Questions may be directed to IJA Education Manager Sheena Roetman-Wynn at sroetman@naja.com.