The Redhorse Scholarship: 2026 Application Cycle Now Open

Supporting the next generation of investigative journalists since 2015.

I’m excited to announce that the Redhorse Scholarship application cycle for 2026 is now officially open. Since establishing this scholarship in honor of my mentor Tommy Redhorse, I’ve had the privilege of supporting dozens of aspiring journalists pursue their dreams. This year, we’re continuing that tradition with our most comprehensive scholarship package yet.

About the Redhorse Scholarship

The Redhorse Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Tommy Redhorse, the legendary Camp La Junta counselor who shaped my formative years and taught me the principles of integrity, persistence, and compassion that have guided my entire journalism career.

Tommy believed that every young person had a story worth telling—and that the best journalists are those who listen before they speak, who verify before they publish, and who always remember that behind every headline is a human being.

This scholarship reflects those values. We’re not just supporting students who want to write—we’re supporting future journalists who understand the responsibility that comes with the craft.

2026 Scholarship Details

Total Award Amount: $15,000 (increased from $12,000 in 2025)

Scholarship Packages:

  • First Place: $8,000
  • Second Place: $4,000
  • Third Place: $3,000

Number of Recipients: 3 (expandable based on applicant quality)

Renewable: Yes, up to 3 additional years (requires maintaining 3.0 GPA and journalism involvement)

Eligibility Requirements

The Redhorse Scholarship is open to high school seniors and college undergraduate students who meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited journalism, communications, or related program
  • Demonstrated interest in investigative or long-form journalism

Community Involvement

  • Active participation in school or community journalism (school newspaper, yearbook, community publications)
  • Commitment to community service
  • Leadership experience in academic or extracurricular activities

Financial Need

  • While financial need is considered, it is not the sole determining factor
  • We believe potential exists in every economic circumstance

Application Deadlines for 2026

Application Opens: March 1, 2026 Early Action Deadline: April 15, 2026 (priority consideration) Final Deadline: June 1, 2026 Winner Announcement: July 15, 2026 Fall Semester Disbursement: August 2026

Important Dates to Remember

  • March-April: Application period
  • May-June: Review process (selected applicants may be interviewed)
  • July 15: Winners announced via email and website
  • August: First semester funds disbursed
  • January: Second semester funds disbursed (for renewable recipients)

How to Apply

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before starting your application, prepare:

  1. Personal Statement (1,000-1,500 words)

    • Your interest in journalism and why it matters to you
    • A story or experience that shaped your desire to pursue journalism
    • Your career goals and how this scholarship will help achieve them

  2. Journalism Portfolio

    • 3-5 samples of your writing (published or unpublished)
    • Can include: news articles, opinion pieces, feature stories, podcast scripts, or video journalism
    • If you don’t have published work, submit detailed story pitches or drafts

  3. Academic Transcripts

    • Official or unofficial transcripts from current/past academic year

  4. Two Letters of Recommendation

    • One from a journalism teacher or advisor
    • One from a community leader, employer, or mentor

  5. Financial Information (if applying for need-based consideration)

    • Family income documentation (FAFSA or equivalent)

Step 2: Complete the Application

Apply through our online portal at matthew-bovee.icu/scholarship. The application includes:

  • Personal information and contact details
  • Academic history
  • Essay questions
  • File uploads for portfolio and transcripts
  • Recommendation request system

Step 3: Submit and Follow Up

After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation email within 48 hours. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it.

Selected applicants may be contacted for a brief phone or video interview in May or June.

What We’re Looking For

Based on Tommy’s principles, here’s what our review committee prioritizes:

1. Authenticity

We want to hear YOUR voice, not what you think we want to hear. The best applications feel genuine—the writer’s personality and passion come through naturally.

2. Understanding of Journalism Ethics

Tommy’s greatest lesson was about integrity. In your personal statement, demonstrate that you understand the responsibilities of journalism—not just the excitement of breaking stories.

3. Persistence

Investigative journalism requires tenacity. Share examples of times you didn’t give up, even when things were difficult.

4. Empathy

The best journalists care about people. Show us that you understand the human impact of the stories you tell.

Tips for a Strong Application

From my years of reviewing applications (and my own journey as a journalism student), here are tips for standing out:

Do:

  • Start your application early—don’t wait until the last minute
  • Proofread multiple times (have someone else read it too)
  • Be specific in your examples—vague statements don’t convince anyone
  • Show, don’t tell—use concrete stories to illustrate your points
  • Follow all formatting guidelines exactly

Don’t:

  • Use clichĂ©s or generic statements
  • Exaggerate or fabricate experiences
  • Submit the same essay to multiple scholarships without customizing
  • Ignore the word limits
  • Forget to save copies of everything you submit

FAQ: Common Questions About the Redhorse Scholarship

Q: Can I apply if I’m not majoring in journalism? A: Yes, as long as you demonstrate genuine interest in journalism and plan to pursue it in some form. Related fields like communications, public relations, or documentary filmmaking are also considered.

Q: Is the scholarship only for students attending Nebraska schools? A: No. While we have roots in Nebraska, the scholarship is open to students nationwide. Camp La Junta in Texas is where Tommy Redhorse made his impact, and we’re proud to support students from across the country.

Q: Can I use scholarship funds for any educational expense? A: Yes, funds can be used for tuition, books, housing, equipment (computers, cameras, recording equipment), or other education-related expenses.

Q: Do I need to have my journalism published to apply? A: Not necessarily. While published work strengthens your application, we also consider unpublished samples, story ideas, and demonstrated passion for the craft.

Q: How is the scholarship disbursed? A: Funds are paid directly to your academic institution for the fall and spring semesters. If you’re not currently enrolled, funds will be disbursed upon enrollment verification.

Supporting Tommy’s Legacy

Every year, I’m reminded of why this scholarship matters. I think about Tommy Redhorse, about the summers at Camp La Junta, about the lessons in integrity and compassion that shaped who I became.

When I meet our scholarship recipients, I see that same spark—the same determination to tell stories that matter, to hold power accountable, to give voice to those who don’t have one.

This scholarship is about more than money. It’s about investing in the future of journalism, in young people who understand that the craft is about service, not fame.

Apply Today

If you’re a young person passionate about journalism, I encourage you to apply. This might be the opportunity that helps you achieve your dreams.

The application takes time—give yourself enough of it. Start now, write thoughtfully, and let your genuine passion for journalism shine through.

For questions about the scholarship, email: [email protected]

Matthew Bovee is an investigative journalist and founder of the Redhorse Scholarship. To learn more about Camp La Junta and Tommy Redhorse’s legacy, visit matthew-bovee.icu.