Headliners Foundation Scholarships

The Headliners Foundation annually awards 18-20 scholarships totaling more than $85,000 to outstanding undergraduate communication students and college journalists attending universities across the state of Texas who are preparing for a journalism career.

Eligibility

• Geographic scope: Texas colleges and universities
• Academic level: Undergraduate students
• Field of study: Journalism and communication
• Requirements:
  • Demonstrated commitment to journalism
  • Talent for reporting and storytelling
  • Published or broadcast work samples from student or professional media organizations
  • Strong academic record
  • Essay submission
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Demonstration of financial need
  • Minimum enrollment: 9+ credit hours per semester
  • Journalism-related internships and professional activities

Named Scholarship Programs

Sarah and Ernest Butler Scholarship: $6,000 annually - Open to all eligible Texas undergraduate journalism students

George Christian Scholarship: $6,000 annually - UT Austin student with preference for Daily Texan experience

Jack Keever Scholarship: Up to $750 per semester ($500 summer, $750 fall/spring) - Managing editor of The Daily Texan, UT Austin

Stuart Long Memorial Scholarships: $9,000 total - Central Texas college students

Verne Lundquist Scholarship: $6,000 - Texas college/university student interested in sports journalism

George A. McElroy Scholarship: $6,000 - Texas college/university journalism or communication student

Ellen and Mark Morrison Scholarship: $6,000 - Texas college/university student (created 2021)

Darrell K. Royal Scholarship: $3,000 - Texas undergraduate student pursuing sports journalism career

Bess Whitehead Scott Scribes Scholarship: $3,000 - Professional journalist returning to higher education (10+ years experience preferred). Separate application required.

Sam Wood Scholarship: $3,000 - Baylor University student

Headliners Founders' Scholarships: Up to $6,000 per academic year - Texas-based undergraduates preparing for journalism career

Texas Associated Press Broadcasters (TAPB) Scholarship: Texas university student practicing broadcast or multimedia journalism

Contact

Address: 221 West 6th Street, Suite 2100, Austin, TX 78701

Application Process

Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026 for 2026-27 academic year

Contact for questions: Alison Unger

Required Application Materials

1. General Information
   • Personal and educational information
   • Summary of honors
   • University transcript (valid copy, official transcript not required)
2. Essay (Maximum 300 words)
   • Choose ONE of three essay questions:
   • Why do you want to be a journalist? Cite an event or time that encouraged you.
   • If you could change something about the way journalism is practiced, what and why?
   • What does journalistic integrity mean to you? Cite an example that influenced your desire to study journalism.
   • Use essay to differentiate yourself from other applicants
3. Letters of Recommendation
   • Two required letters from teacher, employer, or mentor
   • Additional references/endorsements optional
4. Work Samples
   • Minimum: 2 samples
   • Maximum: 4 samples
   • Submit as PDF, JPG, or URL links
   • Include short summary description page with each sample
   • Video samples: Upload to YouTube, Vimeo, or similar platform
   • Audio files: Compressed format (MP3), max 10 MB per example
   • Describe your role in determining/producing subject matter
5. Financial Information
   • Student and parents' financial information required

Important Notes

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted
• All materials must exhibit good prose style and correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and attention to detail
• Recommend gathering documents before starting application
• Application can be saved and completed later
• Competitive judging process—submit best portfolio samples
• Applications open for 2026-27 academic year as of document date