William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Institute for Labor Relations Research

Overview

The William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship recognizes the legacy of the Texas journalist credited with coining the phrase “Right to Work” and who played a significant role in advancing that movement. Each year one $2,000 scholarship is presented to a student who demonstrates both a commitment to Right to Work principles and excellence in journalism consistent with Mr. Ruggles’ standards.

Application period and pause

Applications are normally accepted each year between September 1 and December 31. Please note: no new applications will be accepted until December 31, 2025.

Who is eligible

- Students who are enrolled in, or planning to attend, an accredited U.S. institution of higher education (undergraduate or graduate) and who have shown journalistic ability or are pursuing a journalism major may apply.
- Ineligible applicants include officers, directors, employees of the National Institute for Labor Relations Research and The National Right to Work Committee, members of the Selection Review Committee, and their immediate family members.

How applications are reviewed and awarded

1. Applicants submit the complete application package online (or by mail, see Application Instructions), including an original 500–700 word essay, a current transcript or an acceptance letter, and a photo.
2. Institute staff review submissions and select the strongest essays to forward to the Selection Review Committee. All personal identifying information is removed before these materials are provided to the Committee.
3. The Selection Review Committee — made up of at least three independent educators and Institute representatives — conducts a blind evaluation, then nominates and ranks up to three essays to send to the Institute’s Board of Directors.
4. The Board of Directors considers the Committee’s nominations and staff recommendations and votes at its annual meeting (typically in April) to approve the top-ranked nominee, choose an alternate, or withhold an award that year.
5. Institute staff notify the recipient and issue a public announcement.
6. The $2,000 award is paid directly to the institution the recipient attends.
7. At the end of the academic year for which the funds are provided, the recipient (or the recipient’s school on their behalf) must send an official transcript to the Institute.

Selection criteria

Awards are based primarily on academic ability and a demonstrated interest in the mission and work of the National Institute for Labor Relations Research.

Applicants must:
- Show they have the potential to complete degree requirements at an accredited college, university, or qualifying institution. This requires submitting either a recent transcript or an acceptance letter, and demonstrating enrollment in a journalism program or providing samples of journalistic work (print, digital, or social media).
- Exhibit strong writing skills and a clear understanding of Right to Work principles and the economic and social issues associated with compulsory unionism through a 500–700 word essay.

Application requirements and instructions

The application is composed of three parts:

Part 1 — Essay
Write an original 500–700 word essay that demonstrates your knowledge of and interest in Right to Work principles and addresses the economic and social issues related to compulsory unionism.

Part 2 — Academic documentation
Provide either:
- A copy of your acceptance letter to the institution you will attend, or
- A copy of your most recent academic transcript.
You may submit these documents yourself or arrange for your school to send them directly to the Institute.

Part 3 — Online application and attachments
Complete the formal online application and upload your essay, transcript or acceptance letter, and a photo (and any additional supporting materials). If you cannot submit online, you may print the application and mail it along with your essay, academic documentation, and photo to the Institute address provided on the application form.

Important note
If you are selected as the scholarship recipient, you (or your school) must provide an official transcript at the conclusion of the academic year for which the scholarship funds were disbursed.

For details on where to mail paper applications or how to have your school send documentation, refer to the contact/address information on the application form.