AMES, Iowa – The Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication encourages journalism students to submit their best published work for consideration in the Hearst Journalism Awards competition.
A Resume Builder
This prestigious competition serves as a great way for students to build their resume. Students who place in the top ten of their respective category will receive a scholarship or a certificate, which can become a key focal point on a young journalist’s resume.
"If you can place in the top ten, whether it’s photos, whether it’s multimedia or whether it’s writing, radio or television-if you can place in one of those, that is one of the best lines you could put on a resume," said Dennis Chamberlin, Greenlee associate professor. "The Hearst awards are often referred to as the Pulitzers of student journalism, and I don’t think that’s an exaggeration."
Travel Opportunities
"There isn’t another student journalism competition I know of that has such generous prizes," said Chamberlin.
In addition to receiving scholarship money, the top finalists in the photojournalism, writing, broadcast and multimedia monthly competitions have the opportunity to continue competing in a semi-final round. Finalists are then selected to compete in the national championships for their respective categories in San Francisco, California, this June.
Representing Iowa
Emily Blobaum, senior in journalism and mass communication, secured an eighth place finish in this year’s news and features photojournalism monthly competition.
"I like the feeling that someone from Iowa made it in there because most of the bigger schools enter, like Western Kentucky or North Carolina," said Blobaum. "Just having Iowa on the map makes all the difference."
In addition to representing her home state, the Des Moines native had the opportunity to network with journalists in the field prior to submitting her work into the competition. In addition to working with Chamberlin, Blobaum reviewed her portfolio alongside a journalist at Condé Nast and a recent retiree from the Washington Post.
"Entering into the Hearst competition really gives you the opportunity to get your name out there" said Blobaum. "You have the chance to get your portfolio reviewed by people all across the world."
Benefit the Greenlee School
Finally, student involvement in the Hearst Journalism awards can also benefit the Greenlee School. Since universities that are part of the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC) with accredited undergraduate journalism programs are eligible to participate, this competition helps the school stand out.
"The Greenlee School benefits from the Hearst Program because our students’ skills are rewarded and acknowledged. This heightens the visibility of not only our students but the Greenlee School as well," said Director Angela Powers. "When we compete, we are competing with the best journalism and communication programs in the nation and the world. Word about our level of excellence spreads."
Matching grants are also awarded to the schools of the top five finalists in each monthly competition. Each participating university also earns a $250 stipend for each competition entered.
How can students apply?
The Hearst Journalism program features two photojournalism, five writing, one radio, two television and four multimedia competitions, which offer up to $700,000 in scholarships.
Step 1: Review your best published work and make sure to visit the Hearst Journalism Awards Program to review the entry guidelines for each competition.
Step 2: Plan ahead for the remaining 2017-2018 competitions. Submissions are due to the Greenlee School by noon on the following dates:
- Photo II: Picture Story/Series: Feb 6
- Television II – News: Feb. 13
- Multimedia III – Enterprise Reporting: Feb. 27
- Personality/Profile Writing: March 5
- Multimedia IV – Team Storytelling – News: April 3
- Breaking News Writing: April 10
Step 3: Email your published work to dennisch@iastate.edu on deadline. The Greenlee School may select up to two entrants’ work in each category to compete in the national competition.