SAJA LAUNCHES INTERNSHIP ASSISTANCE FUND

This year SAJA is launching a new program to help college students get newsroom experience. SAJA will offer stipends, which would cover the cost of airfares or other expenses, to help students bridge the financial gap as they accept partially paid or unpaid internships. This is a need-based grant.
This year, the South Asian Journalists Association and SAJA Group Inc. will make three such awards worth $5,000 total:
Each award will be for a minimum of $1,000, and final amounts will be decided by the judges.
Students will be paid in two installments, one at the start, and one at the completion of the internship.
Also, payment of second installment would be dependent on the student having come up with a plan to contribute/give back to SAJA through volunteerism.
These awards are intended to recognize the reporting abilities and commitment of emerging journalists. Students from across the United States, Canada and South Asia can apply for the awards. The judging will be conducted by SAJA professional members.
Applicants with financial hardship may be given special consideration. Recipients are expected to give back to SAJA by volunteering at the annual convention or in other ways approved by a SAJA board member. Each student will be required to complete a report/survey to SAJA on the program, to help board decide on the program's viability.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must be:
1. Of South Asian descent (includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; Indo-Caribbeans are also eligible) OR demonstrate an interest in South Asia or the diaspora
2. Current students who are juniors, or graduating seniors in an accredited college or university (two-year or four-year) in North America; or a student enrolled or about to enter a graduate-level program in North America.
3. Must have an internship offer from a recognized media organization.
Note: College or graduate students graduating in May/June 2009 are eligible. Immediate relatives of SAJA Board members and judges are INELIGIBLE to apply.
EVALUATION PROCEDURE:
A committee of judges appointed by the Board of SAJA will review the applications and evaluate them on a number of subjective and objective criteria, including interest in journalism, writing skills, reasons for entering journalism, financial need and participation and enthusiasm about SAJA.
Applicants may be interviewed by phone or in person by a member of the scholarship committee. Winners will be notified in June.
DEADLINE:
Applications must be submitted using the online form below by 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time), Sunday May 31, 2009. Applicants may be interviewed by phone or in person by a member of the scholarship committee. Winners will be notified in early June, and will be honored at the convention.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please fill out the online application form by clicking here.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
11:59 p.m. (Pacific time), Sunday, May 31, 2009
Programs, activities and services described in this site are offered by SAJA Group, Inc. with the support of the South Asian Journalists Association and its members.