Scholarship amounts vary
To qualify, applicants submit an official college transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a two-page essay (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font) along with the HABJ application.
Email submission to: Houstonabj713@gmail.com
Subject line: HABJ Scholarship
Essay topic: Updated each semester.
You may also mail all scholarship material to the HABJ Post Office Box: P.O. Box 8413, Houston, TX 77288.
Application checklist
- Official undergraduate or graduate transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay on the assigned topic
- Current resume
- Cover letter listing any special circumstances (hardships, first generation, etc.)
- Proof of upcoming Fall enrollment (graduating high school seniors)
The requirements, step by step.
- Confirm your enrollment statusYou must be a graduating high school senior with proof of enrollment in the upcoming Fall semester at a college or university, or a current full-time college student (undergraduate or graduate) registered for a minimum of 12 hours for the upcoming Fall semester.
- Confirm location, major & GPAYou must be from the Greater Houston area or attending college or graduate school in the Greater Houston area, majoring in a journalism-related field — print, radio or broadcast, mass communications, or public relations — with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- Gather your documentsOfficial undergraduate or graduate transcript, resume, two letters of recommendation from professors, internship coordinators, employers, pastors, community leaders, etc., and a cover letter listing any special circumstances that make you deserving of this scholarship (hardships, first generation, etc.).
- Write your essayBased on the assigned topic and instruction — the topic is updated each semester. The essay must be no less than 500 words: two pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font.
- Submit your applicationEmail everything to Houstonabj713@gmail.com with the subject line "HABJ Scholarship", or mail all scholarship material to the HABJ Post Office Box.
Frequently asked questions.
If I'm a senior in high school and going to major in advertising in college in the upcoming year, can I apply?
Yes. Applicants must be entering their freshman year in college or university majoring in the journalism / communication / public relations fields who are either from Houston and attending college / university elsewhere, or are attending a Houston area college / university.
I live in Sugar Land — am I qualified for the HABJ Scholarship? What is considered Greater Houston?
Yes. Applicants must be from the Greater Houston area or attending college or graduate school in the Greater Houston area. The Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land Metropolitan Statistical Area (Houston MSA) consists of nine counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller.
If I'm a graduating senior and plan to go to graduate school, can I apply?
Yes, if you’re going to a graduate school and enrolled for a minimum of nine hours.
Can I send in my unofficial transcript?
Yes. However, an official transcript will be required if you are selected for a scholarship.
How important is the letter of reference?
A letter of reference, either from your school or workplace, must be submitted with your application, along with your transcript, in order for your application to be processed.
Is your judging based upon mostly grades?
We are looking for well-rounded students who participate in all levels of school, work and the community and have demonstrated an interest and an aptitude for marketing communications.
So how many scholarships does HABJ offer each year?
The number of scholarships varies from year to year depending on donations.
Can I attend the award ceremony even if I'm not one of the recipients?
Yes, you’re welcome to attend, if you simply pay the luncheon fee. The recipients’ friends and family are also invited to attend.
Questions about your application?
Email the scholarship committee — subject line "HABJ Scholarship".