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| Attribute | Details |
| Award Name | Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship |
| Host Sponsor / Organization | Trib Total Media |
| Eligible Nationalities | US Citizens & Permanent Residents (Western PA Residents) |
| Target Student Level | High School Senior / Undergraduate |
| Financial Coverage | Up to $30,000 ($7,500/year, renewable) + Paid Internship & Job Offer |
| Minimum GPA Requirement | 3.25 cumulative GPA |
| Application Deadline | December 31 (Annual) |
| Official Website | tribtotalmedia.com / westernpapressclub.org |
Overview
The Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship was created by Trib Total Media to honor the memory and legacy of Jim Borden, the organization’s late managing editor. Designed to support aspiring media professionals and journalists, the scholarship provides a comprehensive career launchpad for students in Western Pennsylvania.
The program awards up to $30,000 in tuition assistance ($7,500 per academic year across up to four years) to one selected recipient annually. Beyond direct tuition funding, the award incorporates a mandatory paid summer internship at Trib Total Media and culminates in a guaranteed full-time employment offer upon college graduation, making it one of the most career-transformative regional media grants in the United States.
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Nationality & Residency Requirements
Applicants must meet strict geographic and legal status conditions to be eligible for consideration:
- County Residency: Candidates must maintain a primary residence in the Greater Pittsburgh / Western Pennsylvania region, specifically within Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Washington, or Westmoreland counties.
- Citizenship & Legal Status: The program requires applicants to hold US citizen requirements or permanent legal residency in the United States.
- International Student Status: The Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship international student requirements exclude non-immigrant foreign visa holders (such as F-1 visa students), as the program is tailored to local residents with post-graduation employment commitments in Western Pennsylvania.
Academic & GPA Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must fulfill specific academic criteria and institutional obligations:
- Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship eligibility for undergraduate students: Open to high school seniors planning to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college or university, as well as current undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.
- Approved Majors: Applicants must major in Journalism, English Writing, or Communication and remain enrolled in an approved course of study through graduation.
- Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship GPA requirement: Candidates must achieve and maintain a minimum cumulative 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale throughout their high school and undergraduate tenure.
- Distinction / Application Quirk: Unlike typical academic grants that simply award money, the Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship renewal requirements mandate that recipients must complete paid summer internships at Trib Total Media every summer while enrolled in college, alongside maintaining a 3.25 GPA. Completing these internships is a strict requirement to retain the annual $7,500 disbursements and secure the guaranteed post-graduation full-time position.
Application Materials Needed
To complete the application packet, candidates must submit the following items online or via mail to the selection committee:
- Letter of Application: An official letter addressed to the “Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship Selection Committee” stating your intent to apply and outlining your professional aspirations in journalism or communications.
- Work Samples: 3 to 5 original published or academic work samples (such as news articles, published pieces, writing samples, or media clip portfolios).
- Academic Transcripts: Official high school or college transcripts demonstrating a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from teachers, academic advisors, media professionals, or supervisors evaluating your journalism aptitudes and character.
- Proof of Enrollment: Acceptance letter or current university enrollment verification.
Step-by-Step How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit a complete application prior to the Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship application deadline:
- Confirm Geographic Residency: Ensure your permanent address falls within one of the eight eligible Western Pennsylvania counties.
- Assemble Your Portfolio: Compile 3 to 5 of your best writing or journalism work samples into a clean digital format.
- Draft the Cover Letter: Write a formal letter of application addressed directly to the selection committee detailing your career vision and passion for reporting.
- Request Recommendations: Ask three educators or professional mentors early to draft recommendation letters regarding your media skills and work ethic.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Package all transcripts, work samples, letters, and forms, and submit them before the December 31 annual cutoff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply for the Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship?
No, international students on non-immigrant visas are not eligible. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents with primary residency in eligible Western Pennsylvania counties.
Is the Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship renewable for all 4 years of undergraduate study?
Yes, the award provides up to $7,500 per year for 4 years (totaling $30,000). To maintain eligibility, students must keep a minimum 3.25 GPA and successfully complete required summer internships at Trib Total Media.
What is the minimum GPA required to qualify for the Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship?
Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale to both qualify for the scholarship and keep it renewed each year.
For more local grants, merit awards, and regional funding across all 50 states, check out our master USA State Scholarships Directory.
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