American University Van Swearingen Scholarship

About this scholarship

The Van Swearingen Scholarship is a donor-funded American University School of Communication award for a graduate student specializing in print journalism. It recognizes exceptional promise for professional excellence and achievement in journalism and writing. The current School of Communication scholarship page confirms the award but does not promise the historical $500 figure shown in some directories; both the number of recipients and the amount can vary with available funding and the school’s review. Prospective students should apply to an eligible School of Communication graduate program through ApplySOC and clearly present their print-journalism preparation, reporting and writing experience, professional goals, and strongest work samples in the admission materials. The school explains that some donor scholarships require a separate application while others are awarded on merit and financial need, so applicants should follow any supplemental task that appears after admission and contact GradComm when no Van Swearingen-specific task is shown. Continuing students may also be considered for additional donor awards. This scholarship is distinct from American University’s named professional fellowships, which have separate employer partners, work assignments, and deadlines. A recipient must enroll in the applicable graduate program and comply with the conditions in the university’s individual award notice.

Eligibility

• Apply to or be enrolled in an eligible American University School of Communication graduate program
• Specialize in print journalism
• Demonstrate exceptional promise for professional excellence and achievement
• Show strong journalism and writing preparation through the admission record and work samples
• Complete any supplemental donor-scholarship task requested by the School of Communication
• Meet all enrollment and award conditions stated in the university’s scholarship offer