The Qualifying Round of the 2024 Washington Media Scholars Foundation Case Competition is NOW LIVE!
Compete for Scholarships and an All-Expense Paid trip to Washington, DC!
3 Easy steps
•Register online at https://www.mediascholars.org/media-scholars
• Submit the Media Case Plan
• Win scholarships and network in Washington, DC
Washington Media Scholars Foundation will be hosting a
Virtual Career Fair
on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST.
Candidates seeking media and/or policy related internships and post-grad opportunities are welcome to participate in the Virtual Career Fair. Join us to connect with senior-level executives from major media companies!
Booking window opens October 2nd.
Our technology platform partner is Career Fairs Plus. Interested candidates should download the Career Fairs Plus app and search events for Washington Media Scholars Foundation Virtual Career Fair, or visit this link.
We look forward to connecting students, alumni and sponsors at this year’s Virtual Career Fair on October 18th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eastern time. Visit this link or download the app today!
The Washington Media Scholars Foundation (WMSF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Media Fellows Scholarships.
The Media Fellows Scholarships, sponsored by prominent media industry leaders, aim to recognize and support outstanding students pursuing careers in media-related fields. This scholarship not only provides financial support but unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to industry professionals. With a focus on academic merit, leadership potential, and passion for media, these recipients were selected from a record number of applicants from colleges and universities across the country:
Adam Sheets, Brigham Young University
Adelisa Badzic, St. John Fisher University
Aiko Shearman-Ballantyne, American University
Alex Johnson, University Of South Carolina
Alexis Christina Letang, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Alexis Cooper, Elon University
Alison Reed, University of Alabama
Amirah Elliott, La Salle University
Anne Beuning, College of Saint Benedict
Ayesha Chari, Cornell University
Briana Vance, University of Memphis
Carissa Feng, Brigham Young University – Idaho
Caroline Raley, University of Alabama
Catherina Chowdhury, University of Texas at Austin
Cedar Roach, Southern Methodist University
Chloe-Ryan Woolfolk, Norfolk State University
Christen M. Davis, North Carolina A&T State University
Corvette Lucido, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Daphne Galloway, University of Colorado Denver
Davinia Wengert, Brandeis University
Eden Mackie, Patrick Henry College
Eden Turner, Savannah State University
Elizabeth England, Charleston Southern University
Emma Wyatt, University South Carolina
Erin Foster, Spelman College
Hailey Castillo, University of Alabama
Jada L. Kirkland, University of South Carolina
Jade Blanchard, Howard University
Jaden Cross, University of South Carolina
Jael Colbourne, Howard University
Jaidyn Brown, University of South Carolina- Upstate
John Freeman, La Salle University
John M. Kerschenheiter V., Michigan State University
Jordyn Taylor, Howard University
Josie Mae Wells, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Julia Devol, University of Alabama
Julia Freitor, Ithaca College
Kate Rawlins, Brigham Young University Idaho
Keiwon Rodgers, Mississippi College
Kenneth Pratt, Loyola Marymount University
Lamaria Washington, Howard University
Latasha Jackson, University of Mississippi
Lauren Nutall, Howard University
Lauryn Williams, Brandeis University
Ashley Gallego-Calle, Bates College
Mariah Solis, Catholic University of America
Mariam Darboe, University of Southern California
Mariana Trujillo Valdes, American University
Mariyam Asadova, Webster University
Martavious Ellis, Grambling State University
Maya Bradley, Boston University
Morgan Olivia Norris, Hampton University
Morgan Wroblewski, University of Alabama
Neil Anthony Perez, San Francisco State University
Nickolas Hill, University of South Carolina
Omowunmi Ebony Woodbury, Stevenson University
Rachel James, North Carolina A&T State University
Rayqun Cox, University of South Carolina
Reuben Williams, Rider University
Salome Montague, University of Alabama
Sidney Berry, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tara Monastesse, Mount Holyoke College
Taylor Storbakken, South Dakota State University
Tera Sackey, The Pennsylvania State University
Tia Radanavong, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Tony DiRubbo, St. John Fisher University
Tran Bao Nghi Nguyen, University of Texas at Austin
Xavier Martin, University of South Carolina
Zachary Olson, American University
WMSF has been a driving force in empowering and equipping undergraduate students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the media landscape for over 14 years. Through our comprehensive programs, mentorship initiatives, and networking opportunities, WMSF has consistently nurtured a new generation of media professionals who make a lasting impact.
For more information about WMSF and its programs, please visit www.mediascholars.org or contact Executive Director, Tori McMichael at tori.mcmichael@mediascholars.org.
WASHINGTON, DC –Washington Media Scholars Foundation (WMSF) held its 14th annual scholarship awards luncheon today, attended by 150 media executives, university faculty, student finalists, alumni, WMSF staff, volunteers and leadership. A total of $25,500 in student scholarships were awarded at the final event capping off a week-long immersive student experience and advertising policy media case competition. Distributed annually, WMSF expects to award an estimated $130,000 in scholarships in 2023. Washington Media Scholars Foundation is the top national scholarship program for aspiring public policy communication and advertising leaders, since 2009.
The 2023 Media Plan Case Competition winners are Megan Groathouse & Adriana Inés Rivera Rodríguez from Iowa State University, taking home the top prizes of $5,000 each. The second place team, Katie Russell & Harrison Haycock from Brigham Young University received scholarships of $3000 each. Additionally, the annual Mia Guion Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Alexis Riesberg from Loras College. The Excellence in Leadership award was presented to TEGNA President & CEO, Dave Lougee. Keynote remarks were made by 2012 Media Scholar finalist Chris Beauregard.
“Today we once again celebrate media’s future leaders— the Media Scholars – as well as the industry’s current leaders who have generously invested in them. From the students from colleges and universities across the country, to the media companies that make this experience and their scholarships possible, Washington Media Scholars Foundation represents a shared commitment to excellence in media,” said WMSF Founder and President Robin D. Roberts.
Since its inception, media industry sponsors have contributed more than $3 million to support 811 students from 219 unique colleges and universities with scholarships and career opportunities through WMSF. Gray Television and Katz Media Group are the 2023 Presenting Sponsors. Additionally, Tegna and The Washington Post are Premiere Sponsors, with Nexstar and CBS Television Stations serving as Lead Sponsors. A full list of WMSF’s community of industry sponsors can be found here.
Twelve exceptional college students were selected to be the 2023 Media Scholars, competing in teams for a combined total of $25,500 in scholarships and a week-long professional development and mentoring experience in Washington DC. The multi-round Media Plan Case Competition requires students to prepare a comprehensive media plan and present them to a panel of industry expert judges. 2023 judges include Daniel Jester (GMMB), Becky Meyer (Gray TV), Lauren Rich (Ampersand), Amber Lyons (PhRMA), Doug Hoey (National Community Pharmacists Association), Erin Rexroth (National Community Pharmacists Association).
The Media Plan Case Competition is Washington Media Scholars Foundation’s merit-based scholarship program. It challenges students to think strategically and dive into the deep-end of marketing impressions, numbers and budgets. Teams of two create a strategic media plan based on a hypothetical public policy issue using actual, real-world data from leading national research and ratings firms to effectively reach their target audiences.
Media Fellows Scholarships are WMSF’s needs-based scholarship program, supporting as many as 70 students each year. To learn more and apply, visit mediascholars.org/mediafellows/.
Join the conversation online using hashtags #wmsf and #mediascholars. Follow Washington Media Scholars Foundation on LinkedIn @WashingtonMediaScholarsFoundation, on Facebook @MediaScholars, and Instagram @media_scholars.
Applications for the 2023 Media Fellows Program are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 30, 2023.
Through the Media Fellows Program, the Washington Media Scholars Foundation seeks to support undergraduate students demonstrating a combination of merit and financial need. Undergraduate students with media and/or policy related majors (this includes but is not limited to Advertising, Strategic Media, Communications, Marketing, PR, Political Science, Journalism and Government) are eligible.
To apply, upload:
For more information, click here or email info@mediascholars.org.
Washington Media Scholars Foundation (WMSF) was established in 2009 with a simple mission—to make sure that students seeking careers in media could get the support they need to graduate from college and enter the fields of media and policy. For 13 years, WMSF has supported students because of the generous donations from the country’s top media companies.
WMSF’s supporters have made sure that we could continue to help students stay in school by fueling scholarships and offering valuable connections that led to internships and jobs. If your company has already given in 2023, thank you. If your company has not yet given this year but would like to make a contribution, we welcome your generosity!
Why support Washington Media Scholars Foundation?
Thank you for making or considering a 2023 contribution to Washington Media Scholars Foundation. For more information on how to give and the impact of your support, please contact info@mediascholars.org.
Washington Media Scholars Foundation is excited to announce the Finalists for the 2023 Media Case Competition:
Finalists:
Adriana Inés Rivera Rodríguez and Megan Groathouse of Team Adriana and Megan from Iowa State
Claire McGinnity and Brady Spaulding of Team Affinity from Ithaca College
Alexis Riesberg and Anthony Gonzalez of Team Hair Ties Media from Loras College and Western Governors School, respectfully.
Ashley Urban and Nicole Pullano of Team Howard City Heroes from Syracuse University
Kirsten Hamberg and Robby Zweesaardt of Team IC Creative from Ithaca College
Katie Russell and Harrison Haycock of Team Fun from Brigham Young University
Alternates:
Sophia Calvert and Kaitlyn Kramer of Team Best of Both Worlds from Brigham Young University
Sydney Green and Melody Pennington of Team Green Pen Creative from Arkansas State
Join us in congratulating these scholars who are one step closer to scholarships, professional development and the opportunity to connect with media executives. Well done!
The Washington Media Scholars Foundation will hold its annual Awards Luncheon and Networking Reception on Thursday, June 8, 2023. These events celebrate the achievements of 12 undergraduate finalists participating in the Media Plan Case Competition. The day begins with an Awards Luncheon announcing the winners of the National Excellence in Media Award, The Mia Guion Award and the distribution of $18,500 in scholarship awards. That evening, media industry leaders from across the country will gather for the WMSF’s annual Networking Reception hosted by our generous sponsor, GMMB.
Entry level sponsorships to attend the Luncheon start at the $5,000 “Founding Partner” level.
Entry level sponsorships to attend the Media Mixer start at the $2,500 “Sustaining Partner” level.
Download the 2023 Benefits of Sponsorship to find the giving level that is right for you. Once you are ready to become a sponsor, you can donate online at mediascholars.org/donate/ or email tori.mcmichael@mediascholars.org for a Sponsorship Invoice and related tax documents.
Washington Media Scholars Foundation (WMSF) was established in 2009 with a simple mission—to make sure that students seeking careers in media could get the support they need to graduate from college and enter the fields of media and policy. For 13 years, WMSF has supported students because of the generous donations from the country’s top media companies.
WMSF’s supporters have made sure that we could continue to help students stay in school by fueling scholarships and offering valuable connections that led to internships and jobs. If your company has already given in 2023, thank you. If your company has not yet given this year but would like to make a contribution, we welcome your generosity!
Why support Washington Media Scholars Foundation?
Thank you for making or considering a 2023 contribution to Washington Media Scholars Foundation. For more information on how to give and the impact of your support, please contact info@mediascholars.org.
Ran out of time? You’re in luck!
All Qualifying Round documents are now due by Sunday, February 12th by 11:59 p.m. EST.
You now have another week to register and submit your entry to the Case Competition!
Follow these simple steps:
WMSF’s case competition offers scholarships and an all-expenses-paid week of networking and professional development in Washington, DC. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to compete for $18,500 in scholarships and meet with top executives from major media companies.
Take advantage of the extended deadline of Sunday, February 12th by 11:59 p.m. EST, and apply right away!