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| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Name | NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships |
| Host Sponsor / Organization | National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Chicago/Midwest Chapter & Foundation |
| Eligible Nationalities | US Citizens & Legal Permanent Residents (Regional Chapter Jurisdiction) |
| Target Student Level | High School Senior (Heading to College) |
| Financial Coverage | $2,500 (1 to 4 Awards Offered Annually) |
| Minimum GPA Requirement | No Minimum GPA Required (Evaluated via Academic Records & Media Portfolio) |
| Application Deadline | March 15 (Annual) |
| Official Website | chicagoemmyonline.org/students |
Overview & Value of the NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships
The NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships program provides valuable financial grants to graduating secondary school seniors planning to pursue undergraduate degrees in television, communications, journalism, and digital media production. Sponsored by the Foundation of the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS)—the prestigious organization behind the regional Emmy® Awards—this initiative helps fund the next generation of broadcast and media industry leaders in the United States.
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┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ NATAS SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION PROCESS │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 1. Complete Online Application & Upload Video/Portfolio Samples │
│ (Annual Deadline: March 15) │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ 2. Independent Evaluation by NATAS Chicago/Midwest Board of Governors │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ 3. Verification of High School Graduation & College Enrollment │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ 4. Disbursement of $2,500 Grant Directly to Recipient for Tuition │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
By awarding $2,500 to multiple winning students each year, the NATAS Chicago/Midwest Chapter significantly reduces the burden of post-secondary tuition, lab fees, equipment costs, and textbook expenses. For media-driven students seeking Illinois undergraduate scholarships and grants (as well as regional opportunities across neighboring Midwest television markets), this scholarship offers both vital financial relief and direct exposure to top media professionals.
Nationality, Citizenship, & Residency Requirements
Eligibility relies on regional chapter jurisdiction and legal residence status within the United States:
- US Citizenship & Permanent Residency: Candidates must meet NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships US citizen requirements or hold valid legal permanent resident (Green Card) status.
- NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships International Student Requirements: This award program is not open to international students holding standard non-immigrant visas (F-1, J-1, M-1) unless they have permanent US residency and attend high school within the chapter’s designated area of dominant influence (ADI).
- Regional Market Residency: Applicants must be enrolled in a high school located within the ADI of the television markets within the NATAS Chicago/Midwest Chapter jurisdiction (covering northern Illinois, northwest Indiana, and eastern Wisconsin) OR maintain their primary home address within this ADI, OR be an immediate relative of a NATAS Chicago/Midwest member in good standing.
Academic & GPA Eligibility Requirements
Reviewing the NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships eligibility for undergraduate students ensures your submission meets every baseline criteria set by the Foundation board:
- NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships GPA Requirement: There is no strict minimum GPA cutoff. While high school transcripts must be submitted to verify academic standing, the selection committee evaluates applicants holistically—focusing on creativity, technical media skills, essay responses, and career commitment.
- Target Grade Level: Open exclusively to graduating high school seniors preparing to enroll full-time or part-time in post-secondary institutions for the upcoming autumn term.
- Eligible Majors & Programs: Candidates must demonstrate a clear course of study supporting their intention to pursue a career in television or related media industries. Eligible fields include:
- Broadcast Journalism & News Production
- Television Production, Directing, & Screenwriting
- Communications & Media Studies
- Cinematography, Editing, & Digital Video Audio
- Accredited College Enrollment: Winners must matriculate into an accredited two-year community college, technical institute, or four-year university program in the United States.
Application Materials Needed
Preparing your portfolio and application documents before the NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships application deadline prevents last-minute technical delays. Applicants must assemble:
- Official Online Application Form: Completed via the NATAS Chicago/Midwest student portal.
- High School Transcripts: An official or verified unofficial transcript documenting overall academic performance through senior year.
- Personal Career Statement: A clear essay detailing your passion for the television industry, career goals, and relevant high school media activities.
- Video Work Sample / Reel: A digital link (YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive) showcasing your work in television production, news reporting, editing, videography, or audio engineering.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least one letter from a media instructor, high school teacher, or industry mentor verifying your character and talent.
Step-by-Step How to Apply
Follow these action steps during the 2026–2027 application cycle to complete your submission accurately:
- Visit the Official Student Portal: Navigate to chicagoemmyonline.org/students to access the current high school scholarship entry form.
- Verify Regional Eligibility: Ensure your high school or primary home address falls within the Chicago/Midwest chapter television market boundaries.
- Prepare Your Video Reel: Edit a concise video reel showcasing your best broadcast journalism or television production work completed during high school.
- Request Transcripts & References: Ask your high school registrar for an up-to-date transcript and secure a signed letter of recommendation from your media advisor.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Complete all form fields, attach your essay and transcript, paste your video reel link, and submit the completed entry on or before the annual deadline of March 15.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply for the NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships?
No. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents attending a high school (or residing) within the NATAS Chicago/Midwest Chapter area of dominant influence. International students without US permanent residency do not qualify.
Is the NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships renewable for all 4 years of undergraduate study?
No. High school scholarships are awarded as a one-time $2,500 grant for entering college freshmen. However, once enrolled in college, students may apply for the chapter’s separate undergraduate and graduate scholarship programs in subsequent years.
What is the minimum GPA required to qualify for the NATAS Chicago/Midwest High School Scholarships?
There is no minimum GPA requirement. The selection committee evaluates candidates holistically, prioritizing creative video work, essay responses, and dedication to a television career alongside academic transcripts.
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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