Society of Professional Journalists Buffalo Chapter Scholarship Fund

18/02/2024

**Journalism Scholarships Available For College Students and Professionals**
Greater Buffalo-area college students who are studying communications, along with professional journalists seeking additional academic training, can now apply for college and graduate school scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Greater Buffalo Society of Professional Journalists College Scholarship Fund has been awarding scholarships since 1978.
“The Fund has awarded about $141,000 in scholarships to more than 150 talented individuals over the past 46 years,” said Chair Brian Meyer. “Many of our scholarship recipients have built successful careers in the communications industry.”
To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Western New York, Northwestern Pennsylvania or Southern Ontario attending accredited colleges in the U.S. or Canada that offer courses to enhance journalism training. Students who are residents outside the chapter area who attend colleges in Western New York are also eligible. Undergraduate students in any year of study, graduate students and working journalists are encouraged to apply.
Evidence of competence in writing, broadcasting or related communications skills is especially desirable. So is the explanation of financial need. Applicants must include a brief statement outlining their motivation and offering evidence of a commitment to a career in journalism. Two letters of recommendation from an instructor or supervisor in the student’s field of major interest must accompany the application.
To apply, check us out on the web: https://www.facebook.com/spjscholarshipbuffalo/
Individuals wishing to receive applications by mail should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Annemarie Franczyk, 858 Fillmore Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14212 or to receive an application by email write her at [email protected]. For questions, call Ms. Franczyk at (716) 878-5900.
Applications for the upcoming academic year must be postmarked by April 30, 2024.

This annual program awards scholarships to college and graduate students and professional journalist

01/07/2023

Greater Buffalo Society of Professional Journalists awards two scholarships

July 1, 2023

Communications students from Canisius College and the University of Westminster have won awards for the upcoming academic year from the Greater Buffalo Society of Professional Journalists College Scholarship Fund.

Natalie Calzetoni of Fairport will attend University of Westminster in London, England where she will work on a multimedia journalism master’s degree. She completed her undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University. As an intern with the Little League Baseball World Series, Calzetoni played an integral role in digital operations for more than 350 televised games and later transitioned to support in-person operations at the 75th Little League Baseball Series in Willamsport, Pa.

Natalie Faas of Rochester is attending Canisius College where she has been involved in The Griffin, the student-run news publication. She interned at WHEC, News10NBC where she was later offered a summer job as an associate producer. She is working this summer as a multimedia reporter at WHEC.

“These skilled and determined individuals have distinguished themselves as exceptional student journalists,” said Fund Chair Brian Meyer. “We’re convinced that they possess the talent and drive to make positive contributions in the communications arena.”

This marks the 45th year that the local organization has awarded annual scholarships to aspiring and professional journalists. Since 1978, the group has awarded 158 scholarships totaling more than $141,000. Winners have attended more than 30 different colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

The program helps future and current journalists in the Western New York region, Northwest Pennsylvania and Southern Ontario. Five trustees, chosen for staggered five-year terms, serve without remuneration. Nearly 100 percent of all fund revenues are awarded as scholarships.

18/04/2023

There is still time to apply for the 2023 scholarship! Please email chapter secretary, Annemarie Franczyk, at [email protected], for an application. In the meantime, line up two letters of recommendation from professors, academic advisers or employers who can attest to your interest in journalism and write a 250 statement about your commitment to a career in the industry. Completed applications should be emailed or postmarked by April 29.

07/02/2023

Journalism Scholarships Available For College Students, Professionals

Greater Buffalo-area college students who are studying communications, along with professional journalists seeking additional academic training, can now apply for college and graduate school scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Greater Buffalo International Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists College Scholarship Fund has been awarding scholarships since 1978.

“The Fund has awarded nearly $140,000 in scholarships to more than 155 talented individuals over the past 45 years,” said Chair Brian Meyer. “Dozens of these recipients have since forged successful careers in the communications industry.”

To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Western New York, Northwestern Pennsylvania or Southern Ontario attending accredited colleges in the U.S. or Canada that offer courses to enhance journalism training. Students who are residents outside the chapter area who attend colleges in Western New York are also eligible. Undergraduate students in any year of study, graduate students and working journalists are encouraged to apply.

Evidence of competence in writing, broadcasting or related communications skills is especially desirable. So is the explanation of financial need. Applicants must include a brief statement outlining their motivation and offering evidence of a commitment to a career in journalism. Letters of recommendation from an instructor or supervisor in the student’s field of major interest must accompany the application.
To apply, check us out on the web: https://www.facebook.com/spjscholarshipbuffalo/

Individuals wishing to receive applications by mail should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Annemarie Franczyk, 858 Fillmore Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14212. For questions, call Ms. Franczyk at (716) 878-5900 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Applications for the upcoming academic year must be postmarked by April 29, 2023.

14/07/2022

Three Western New York College Journalists Win Scholarships

Communications students from Canisius College, St. Bonaventure University, and SUNY Buffalo State/SUNY Empire State College have won awards for the upcoming academic year from the Greater Buffalo Society of Professional Journalists College Scholarship Fund.

Griffin Della Penna of Batavia attends Canisius College where he has been focusing on sports journalism. He has been involved in numerous communications activities with the Batavia Muckdogs, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Pegula Sports and Entertainment and ESPN 3. Della Penna was also awarded a scholarship through our fund in 2021.

Nicolas Gelyon attends St. Bonaventure University where he has been actively involved with SBU-TV and SBU-TV Sports. He has reported on a wide range of timely news and sports topics.

Christian Miles StomsVik is a photojournalist for the Bee News Group and previously served as a staff photographer for Chelsea Now and Chelsea Community News in the New York City area. He has freelanced for national media organizations, including the Washington Post and the London Financial Times. He is enrolled at SUNY Empire State College and is cross-registered at SUNY Buffalo State where he is completing his photojournalism degree.

“These talented and highly motivated individuals have distinguished themselves as exceptional student journalists,” said Fund Chair Brian Meyer. “We’re convinced that they possess the skills and the drive to make positive contributions in the communications arena.”

This marks the 44th year that the local organization has awarded annual scholarships to aspiring and professional journalists. Since 1978, the group has awarded 158 scholarships totaling more than $138,000. Winners have attended about 30 different colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

The program helps future and current journalists in Western New York, Northwest Pennsylvania and Southern Ontario. Five trustees, chosen for staggered five-year terms, serve without remuneration. Nearly 100 percent of all fund revenues are awarded as scholarships.