Washington Media Scholars Foundation 2020 Year in Review
Looking back to January of 2020, the Washington Media Scholars Foundation’s annual merit-based national competition was off to its usual start. The Media Plan Case Competition had a roster of exceptional schools and students ready to participate.
Not much time passed before the world recognized that 2020 was going to be a very different year. No matter the challenges, the Washington Media Scholars Foundation (WMSF) has remained dedicated to helping up-and-coming students who are passionate about making a difference in media and policy. Between the Media Scholars and the Media Fellows scholarship programs, WMSF was able to award 59 students with scholarships and support in 2020.
In June of years’ past, six teams of Media Scholars Finalists would spend a week in Washington, D.C. before their final media plan presentations. Although finalists were not able to travel this summer, the most impactful parts of the Media Scholars program were preserved. In 2020, the finalists participated in a series of virtual presentations and professional development seminars from companies including Katz Media Group, Gray TV, GMMB and Nielsen over the course of June 10th & 11th. Additional sessions about business etiquette and professional development were also a part of the itinerary.
In the same week, finalists were able to virtually present their final media plans to an expert panel of judges that included lead judge Danny Jester (GMMB), Jackie Huelbig (Centro), Tripp McLaughlin (Georgetown University) and Nicole Elie (CBS Television Stations). At the virtual awards program, the winners of the 11th annual Media Scholars case competition, Erik Zhao & Alexander Lai of Binghamton University, were awarded $5,000 in scholarships each. Avery Grundy & Kylie Kost of Iowa State University were the runners-up team, awarded $3,000 each. Finally, the second annual Mia Guion Scholarship, a $2,500 award, was earned by Kelsey Gallagher. Each of the remaining finalists were awarded a $500 scholarship to aid in the cost of their education.
Media Fellows scholarship applications to our needs-based program more than doubled for both the Fall and Spring deadlines in 2020. Financial instability caused by Covid-19 has affected more students and their families in an unprecedented scenario, making our mission more important than ever. WMSF doubled down in support of students in need and awarded 47 scholarships in 2020.
We are especially grateful to all of our sponsors and individual donors who invested in our mission in an especially challenging year for students, families and businesses nationwide. We extend our deepest thanks our first ever Presenting Sponsor, Katz Media Group, who not only contributed financially, but also gave of their time and expertise in seminars with students. Another first this year was the exclusive Premiere level sponsorship graciously donated by Resonate. We also thank our Lead level sponsors, Gray TV, Nexstar and PayClearly and Presidential sponsors, Beasley Media Group, CMG/Cox Reps, GMMB and TEGNA. Many more generous companies supported our mission this year with sponsorships and financial contributions as well as the gifts of their time and volunteering. To every one of our remarkable sponsors and donors of every amount, we are immensely grateful.
Looking ahead, we plan on safely bring students, professors, sponsors and honored guests to Washington, D.C. to honor all at the annual Awards Presentation event. We look forward to sharing the Foundation’s 2021 plans soon.
