The Society of Professional Journalists (yes, another journalism themed scholarship!) is currently running their annual essay contest. This contest asks for participants to write a 300-500 word essay on the topic of: “Why is free expression through independent media important?”. Essays will first be judged by a chapter of SPJ (different rules apply if there are no chapters in your state), and one essay from each chapter will make its way to the national contest. The first place winner will receive a $1000 scholarship, the second place winner will receive a $500 scholarship, and the third place winner a $300 scholarship.

The main reason that I like this essay contest is that the essay is fairly simple. There are many approaches to the topic, and 300 words is about one, double spaced page; it shouldn’t take too long to type out a rough draft. Furthermore, this essay contest is open to all high school students (9-12 grade), so make sure to take advantage of this if you’re in a lower grade. The deadline for this essay contest is March 4, 2011. Good Luck!

Contact information can be found on the contest’s website:

“Call SPJ at 317/927-8000 or e-mail us.”