SAJA will offer stipends again to help students bridge the financial gap when they accept unpaid or partially paid internships this summer.

The SAJA Internship Assistance Fund will offer stipends of various amounts to cover airfares or other expenses. This is a need-based grant.

The number of such stipends and individual amounts will be decided by judges, who are SAJA professional members. Students will be paid in two installments, one at the start, and one at the completion of the internship.

Also, payment of second installment would be dependent on the student having come up with a plan to contribute/give back to SAJA by volunteering at its events, or helping the organization in other ways. These awards are intended to recognize the reporting abilities and commitment of emerging journalists. Students from across the United States, Canada and South Asia can apply for the awards.

Applicants who can demonstrate financial hardship may be given special consideration.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must be:


1. Of South Asian descent (includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; Indo-Caribbeans are also eligible) OR demonstrate an interest in South Asia or the diaspora


2. Current students who are juniors, or graduating seniors in an accredited college or university (two-year or four-year) in North America; or a student enrolled or about to enter a graduate-level program in North America.

3. Must have an internship offerfrom a recognized media organization. Note: College or graduate studentsgraduating in May/June 2010 are eligible. Immediate relatives of SAJA Boardmembers and judges are INELIGIBLE to apply.

EVALUATION PROCEDURE:

A committee of judges appointed bythe Board of SAJA will review the applications and evaluate them on a number of subjective and objective criteria, including interest in journalism, writing skills, reasons for entering journalism, financial need and participation and enthusiasm about SAJA.
Applicants may be interviewed by phone or inperson by a member of the scholarship committee. Winners will be notified in June.

DEADLINE:


Applications must be submitted using the onlineform below by 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time), Monday May 31, 2010. Applicants may be interviewed by phone or in person by a member of the awards committee. Winners will be notified in early June.

HOW TO APPLY:


Please fill out the online application form athttp://www.formsite.com/columbiaspj/form102056646/index.html

QUESTIONS?

Contact SAJA SecretaryPrabha Natarajan, nnprabha@gmail.com