Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation Scholarships & Grants
Scholarship Sponsored by Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation
Please check back for updates about the next scholarship cycle.
Overview
- The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation will award three scholarships of $2,500 each and one scholarship of $1,500 to students enrolled in media-related programs at public or private colleges/universities, broadcast/media schools, or Wisconsin Technical Colleges. Eligible students are encouraged to apply.
- Application deadline: 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025. All materials must be received in the WBA office by that deadline.
Who may apply (Eligibility)
- Applicants must have completed at least one-half of the requirements for a degree or graduation in a media or media-related field and be attending a Wisconsin higher education institution that has been approved by the WBA Foundation Board. (Confirm whether your school appears on the Foundation’s approved school list online.)
- OR applicants may be graduates of a Wisconsin high school.
- Applicants must intend to pursue a media career that includes audio, visual and/or digital/social media platforms.
- Previous recipients of WBA scholarships are not eligible.
The David L. Nelson Scholarship (additional conditions)
- Intended for students at the junior or senior level.
- Applicants for this specific scholarship must demonstrate financial need.
Application checklist (required materials)
All applicants must complete the WBA Foundation Scholarship Application Form and submit the following:
1. Completed application form.
2. Current official transcript from your college or university.
3. Two brief letters of recommendation.
4. An original essay (double-spaced, word-processed) of no more than 1,000 words addressing one of the prompts below.
Essay prompts (choose one)
1) Imagine you have unlimited funds to launch a new media company within one year. Describe your plan:
- What form(s) will the outlet take (broadcast, digital, social, other)?
- Who is the target audience?
- How will you ensure fair and accurate news coverage?
- What distribution methods will you use?
- What staff or roles will you hire?
- How will you brand and market the company?
- In what ways will your outlet differ from existing organizations?
- How can it be a positive force in the community or industry?
- Why is this venture important?
2) Identify what you consider the single greatest challenge or opportunity facing the media industry today and explain what you would do to address it:
- Describe any steps you are already taking related to this issue and identify the audience you are serving.
Notes
- Essays must be original work by the applicant and must not exceed 1,000 words.
- All application materials must arrive at the WBA office by 4:00 p.m., Friday, October 31, 2025, to be considered.