Greater Buffalo-area college students who are studying communications, along with professional journalists seeking additional academic training, can now apply for college and graduate school scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year.

The Greater Buffalo International Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists College Scholarship Fund has been awarding scholarships since 1978.

“We’re proud that we have distributed more than $120,000 in scholarships to about 125 talented individuals over the past four decades,” said Fund Chair Brian Meyer, a local journalist and long-time trustee of the nonprofit fund.

To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Western New York, Northwestern Pennsylvania or Southern Ontario attending accredited colleges in the U.S. or Canada that offer courses to enhance journalism training. Students who are residents outside the chapter area who attend colleges in Western New York are also eligible. Applicants must be either prospective college juniors, seniors or graduate students, or working journalists.

Evidence of competence in writing, broadcasting or related journalistic skills is especially desirable. So is the explanation of financial need. Applicants must include a brief statement outlining their motivation and offering evidence of a commitment to a career in journalism. Letters of recommendation from an instructor or supervisor in the student’s field of major interest must accompany the application.

To apply, check us out on the web: https://www.facebook.com/spjscholarshipbuffalo/

Individuals wishing to receive applications by mail should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Annemarie Franczyk, 858 Fillmore Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14212. For questions, call Ms. Franczyk at (716) 878-5900 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Applications for the upcoming academic year must be postmarked by April 30, 2018.