Sophomores in the University of Missouri School of Journalism are eligible to apply for the Rural Missouri Newspaper Scholarship. The total value of the scholarship includes up to $45,000 towards a student’s schooling and support after graduation.

Qualification is determined through the federal FAFSA program. Scan or click the QR code at right to learn more.

Recipients receive $10,000 per year in scholarship funds for both their junior and senior years at the Missouri School of Journalism. They are required to spend two years working at a rural Missouri newspaper after graduation and will receive $10,000 stipends each of those two years in addition to their regular salary from the newspaper.

Students can also receive an additional $5,000 summer fellowship funded by the Reynolds Journalism Institute.

The Missouri Press Foundation will work directly with Missouri newspaper publishers to find the best match for scholarship recipients. The intent is for the student to fulfill the two-year post-graduation requirement at the newspaper where they intern. Newspapers will be expected to help the student find housing for the summer internship program and assist with finding housing for the post-graduation period.

Questions about the Rural Missouri Newspaper Scholarship can be directed to MPA Executive Director Chad Stebbins at (573) 449-4167, ext. 308, or at cstebbins@mopress.com. Applications are due by April 15 to be considered for the current year’s selection process.

You can fill out an electronic application here, fill out a PDF version or print the application and mail it along with supporting materials to Missouri Press Association, 802 Locust St., Columbia, MO 65201.