Norma & Evert Persons' Journalism Scholarship

Established November 2020

Purpose:  Encourage local students to pursue a career in journalism and support their college education success with financial aid and professional guidance

Scholarships: The Press Democrat Community Fund’s Norma & Evert Persons’ Journalism Scholarship will provide financial support to selected students with a strong and demonstrated interest in journalism and the commitment to completing a bachelor’s degree program.  The Fund will award two scholarships of up to $2,500 every two years, and each will be renewable for four years based on continued eligibility.  We will also provide a newsroom mentor to scholarship recipients and assist students in securing summer paid internships.

The Press Democrat Community Fund will award these scholarships in accordance with the scholarship’s purpose, student eligibility, and recommendations of the scholarship committee.

Eligibility

• Currently residing in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, or Lake counties
• Graduating with a high school diploma from Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, or Lake counties
• Acceptance into and who plan to attend either a junior college or 4-year college or university AND enrolled in upcoming fall semester
• Area of study: Journalism preferred but will consider other related areas of study including Communications, Photo-Journalism, and Writing (must have an interest in news/media/journalism.)
• Must agree to work with a mentor from Sonoma Media Investments
• Agree to provide twice-yearly updates on their progress, including courses taken and GPA transparency
• Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and pass 9 units per semester

Apply

Application form:  Download Form

Application deadline:  April 29, 2023
apply@pressdemocratcommunityfund.com

Or mail to:
The Press Democrat Community Fund
416 B Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Additional information email: info@pressdemocratcommunityfund.com