JMC Scholarship Opportunities for Fall 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources:
Fall 2025 Scholarship Application Form [pdf]
Fall 2025 Scholarship FAQ [pdf]

When can I apply?
We will begin accepting scholarship applications for Fall 2025 on Monday, September 15, 2025 via office drop-off or via email to Ernesto.gonzalez@sjsu.edu

How many scholarships are available in JMC this semester?
A total of 18 scholarships are available, each with specific eligibility requirements based on factors like class standing, major and financial need.

How much money is JMC giving away in scholarships this semester?
About $44,000.

Okay, so how do I apply?
You must first fill out the application Cover Page. Then you will need to write a one-page essay discussing your academic background, professional goals, financial need and your specific qualifications for the scholarship you are applying for.

How and to who do I submit my application?
Before submitting, be sure that ALL files and documents are saved as PDFs and include your name in the file name.

  • Example: JMC Scholarship Essay_Smith, John
  • Example: DBH Scholarship Cover_Smith, John

You will want to either hand in or email your cover letter and essay to Ernesto Gonzalez (ernesto.gonzalez@sjsu.edu) located in the JMC office (DBH 105) by Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 5p.m.

If I miss the deadline, can I still apply?
No.

When is the deadline?
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 at 5:00p.m.

Where do I submit my application?
You submit your application via office drop-off to DBH 105 or via email to Ernesto.gonzalez@sjsu.edu

I am planning to apply to multiple scholarships. Can I use the same one-page essay?
Yes, you can.

I'm not a JMC major. Can I apply?
Scholarships are only awarded to currently enrolled JMC majors and minors.

I am an international student. Can I apply?
Yes, unless the description of the scholarship you’re interested in states otherwise.

I am enrolled in the Mass Communications graduate program? Can I apply?
Yes, unless the description of the scholarship you’re interested in states otherwise.

How will I know if I win?
Winners are expected to be announced school wide via email and social media. You will also receive an official award letter directly to your email sometime in November, 2025 if you are deemed a winner.

Available Scholarships

1. ADV
Jack Quinton Memorial Scholarship
Undergraduate student working with the Spartan Daily advertising team.

2. ADV 
Pat O'Daniels/Rat Line Scholarship 
Preference shall be given to students majoring in Advertising who have completed a minimum of 29 units.

3. ADV and JOUR 
Gary Williams Memorial Scholarship
To provide a scholarship to students with overall commitment to advertising and journalism, potential in the field, and financial need.

4. JOUR
Dorothy Oppenheim Journalism Endowment
Students majoring in print-editorial or photo-journalism.

5. JOUR
Howard Freeman Memorial Scholarship
To provide a scholarship to a student who is majoring in broadcast news and is pursuing a career in broadcast journalism.

6. JOUR
Leigh Weimers Journalism Scholarship
For a print journalism student with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference given to those who must overcome hardship in their pursuit of a university education.

7. JOUR
Phil and Dean Spuler Scholarship Endowment
To provide scholarships for students majoring in print-editorial or photo-journalism.

8. JOUR
Rosenthal-O'Brian Journalism Scholarship
Students who are pursuing a degree program in the reporting/editing sequence are eligible to apply. Submit application along with 3 writing samples, which includes a feature article (published work preferred). Committee is looking for examples of strong reporting, lively writing, and compelling subjects.

9. JOUR
Tom Quinlan Endowment
Eligible applicants must be pursuing a career in newspaper journalism, fully matriculated with a minimum of 6 units, and a GPA of 3.0 or above.

10. JOUR
Donald C. Cox Scholarship
Provide scholarships to qualified students who are members of the Spear staff.

11. JOUR 
Nancy Skelton Scholarship 
Intended to support a (preferably) female journalism student who shows outstanding writing and reporting promise.

12. JOUR 
Gary D. Radine Scholarship 
This Scholarship helps support students who have demonstrated a financial need, enrolled full-time majoring in journalism and are involved in Hispanic or the African American community.

13. ADV, JOUR, PR
Dwight Bentel Scholarship
For undergraduate majors in their junior year or first semester seniors majoring in any of the department's degree programs.

14. ADV, JOUR, PR
Christopher Marian Memorial Scholarship
To provide a scholarship for a student in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Chris Marian Journalism Scholarship recipients must meet the following criteria: be in good standing, enrolled full-time in JMC, maintain at least the minimum 2.6 GPA, demonstrate an interest in news writing.

15. PR
Dennis Wilcox Scholarship
Students who are Public Relations majors planning to participate in a short-course or semester abroad as part of their undergraduate or graduate study. Must be fully matriculated, in good standing, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. consideration. If, in any given year, no public relations majors apply or are qualified, students majoring in advertising, journalism, or mass communications may be awarded a scholarship. Students must be fully matriculated, in good standing, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

16. PR
Louis A. Duino Scholarship
For junior or senior students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their major field of study and demonstrate financial need.

17. PR
Matthew Garcia Memorial Scholarship
To provide scholarships to public relations majors planning to participate in an independent study in the JMC Department. If in any given year no public relations majors apply or qualify, students majoring in journalism or mass communications may be awarded scholarships. Students must be fully matriculated, in good standing, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

18. PR
Robert & McKenzie Burpee Scholarship Endowment
To provide scholarships to public relations majors planning to participate in an independent study in the JMC Department. If in any given year no public relations majors apply or qualify, students majoring in journalism or mass communications may be awarded scholarships. Students must be fully matriculated, in good standing, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.