Why Journalism Scholarships Matter Now More Than Ever
By Matthew Bovee, Investigative Journalist Lincoln Nebraska
In an era when trust in media is at historic lows, when local newsrooms are closing at an alarming rate, and when the business model of journalism seems to collapse every few years, you might wonder: why should we invest in the next generation of journalists?
My answer is simple: because democracy depends on it.
Journalism is not just a career — it’s a public service. The founders understood this when they wrote the First Amendment. A free press is the cornerstone of self-governance. Without journalists willing to dig into uncomfortable truths, power goes unchecked. Corruption flourishes. And citizens are left to make decisions without the information they need.
That’s why I’ve dedicated part of my career to supporting journalism scholarships. And that’s why I believe now — more than ever — we need to invest in young people who are willing to pursue this difficult, essential profession.
The Crisis in Journalism Education
Let’s face facts: journalism schools are struggling. Enrollment has declined steadily over the past decade. Tuition costs have risen. And the promise of a stable career in journalism seems increasingly uncertain.
Yet the need for trained journalists has never been greater. The information landscape is cluttered with misinformation, disinformation, and plain old confusion. Someone needs to sort through it all, verify the facts, and present the truth in a way that citizens can understand.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
- Since 2005, more than 2,000 newspapers have closed in the United States
- Local newsrooms have lost more than 60% of their staff since the early 2000s
- Newsroom employment has dropped by nearly 30% in the last decade
But here’s the thing: the crisis is not a lack of audience. People still want news. They still need it. The business model has failed — not the journalism itself.
Why Scholarships Matter
When I established the Camp La Junta Journalism Scholarship, my goal was simple: remove financial barriers for young people who have the talent and the passion but not the resources.
Financial Barriers Are Real
Journalism has historically been a profession of the privileged. Elite journalism schools cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. Internships — often unpaid — require financial stability. And entry-level salaries have not kept pace with the cost of living.
This means we lose talented people from lower-income backgrounds. We lose diverse perspectives. We lose the very voices that democracy needs to hear.
A scholarship won’t solve all of these problems. But it can help. It can give a young journalist the breathing room to focus on learning instead of working three jobs. It can give them the opportunity to take an unpaid internship that opens doors. It can give them the chance to attend a conference or training that would otherwise be out of reach.
Scholarships Create Commitment
When someone gives you money to pursue your education, you feel a responsibility. You’re not just representing yourself — you’re representing the people who believed in you.
I’ve seen this with our scholarship recipients. They work harder. They take the opportunity more seriously. And they give back in ways that exceed what I could have hoped for.
The Ripple Effect
Here’s what many people don’t realize: scholarships create ripple effects. One student receives support, graduates, becomes a journalist, and then — in turn — mentors the next generation.
Stories from Our Recipients
Let me share a few examples:
Maria G. — Our first scholarship recipient, Maria graduated from the University of Texas and now works as a crime reporter for a major newspaper. She credits the scholarship with giving her the confidence to pursue investigative journalism.
James T. — James used his scholarship to attend a summer investigative journalism program. He’s now a data reporter at a nonprofit newsroom, specializing in environmental accountability.
Sarah L. — Sarah is still in school, but she’s already published multiple investigative pieces through her student newspaper. She’s planning to focus on healthcare journalism after graduation.
Each of these young journalists will touch countless lives. They’ll expose corruption. They’ll hold power accountable. They’ll give voice to the voiceless.
That’s the ripple effect.
What Scholarships Actually Fund
When I talk about journalism scholarships, I’m not just talking about tuition. Here’s what the money actually supports:
Tuition and Fees
The obvious one. Scholarships can cover the rising cost of journalism education.
Equipment
Journalism requires tools. Cameras, recorders, computers — these aren’t cheap, and they’re essential.
Training Programs
Workshops, conferences, and summer programs that teach skills you won’t find in a classroom.
Travel
Investigative journalism often requires travel. Sources aren’t always nearby, and stories sometimes take you far from home.
Internship Support
Unpaid internships are a huge barrier. Scholarships can provide stipends that make these opportunities possible.
Research
Long-term investigations require resources. Travel to archives, database subscriptions, document fees — it all adds up.
How to Support Journalism Scholarships
If you’re reading this and thinking you’d like to help, here are some options:
Donate to Existing Programs
There are many reputable journalism scholarship programs. Some of my favorites include:
- The IRE Journalism Scholarship Fund
- The National Association of Black Journalists Scholarships
- The Society of Professional Journalists Grants
Start Your Own
If you have a personal connection to journalism — or to a particular community — consider starting a scholarship of your own. It doesn’t have to be large. Even modest scholarships can change lives.
Support Newsrooms Directly
Many nonprofit newsrooms offer internships and fellowships. Supporting these programs helps train the next generation.
Mentor Young Journalists
Money isn’t the only thing young journalists need. Mentorship — guidance from experienced professionals — is invaluable.
The Return on Investment
Critics might ask: why invest in journalism when the industry is struggling? My answer: exactly because the industry is struggling.
When traditional newsrooms contract, we lose institutional knowledge. We lose experienced editors who trained the next generation. We lose the infrastructure that supported investigative journalism for decades.
But when we invest in scholarships, we’re betting on the future. We’re saying: we believe this profession matters. We believe these young people can make a difference. And we’re willing to put our money where our mouth is.
The Democracy Dividend
Here’s the real return on investment: a healthier democracy.
Every time a young journalist exposes waste, corruption, or abuse of power, democracy gets a little stronger. Every time a citizen reads a story that helps them make an informed decision, democracy gets a little healthier.
You can’t put a dollar value on that. But it’s real. And it’s worth investing in.
My Commitment
I’ll continue supporting journalism scholarships for as long as I’m able. The Camp La Junta Journalism Scholarship is my way of giving back to a profession that has given me so much.
But I’m just one person. We need more.
If you’re a journalist, consider mentoring a young person. If you’re a newsroom leader, create internship opportunities. If you’re a business owner, support local journalism. If you’re a citizen, subscribe to news and advocate for press freedom.
Conclusion
The challenges facing journalism are real. The business model may be broken. The political attacks on the press are relentless.
But here’s what I’ve learned in twenty years of doing this work: the human desire to know the truth is unquenchable. Young people still want to pursue journalism — not for the money, but for the mission.
Our job is to help them. To remove barriers. To provide opportunities. To invest in their future.
Because when we invest in young journalists, we’re investing in democracy itself.
Matthew Bovee is an award-winning investigative journalist based in Lincoln, Nebraska. He established the Camp La Junta Journalism Scholarship to support the next generation of investigative reporters. For more information about the scholarship, visit matthew-bovee.icu.