CSU Jim Sanders Media and Leadership Scholarship

This scholarship honors and supports the leaders of today and tomorrow in journalism, media or communications. The media industry is changing and, as the gatekeepers of information, these industries need intelligent, creative leaders and risk-takers with a sense of humor and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Jim Sanders was a news director at television stations in Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco and in Columbus, Ohio. He was renowned for his integrity, encouraging mentorship, and positive attitude.

• One (1) $2,500 scholarship will be awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Each campus may nominate one student.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Students must have an interest in journalism, media, or communication.
• Students must aspire to a career in media, but can be interested in any aspect of the industry including engineering, sales, production (audio, video and sound editing, etc.), graphic design, human resources, etc.
• Students must be currently enrolled at Fresno State and must remain an enrolled student during the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Students must express current leadership qualities or the desire to be a leader in journalism, media or communication.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to completing the general scholarship application on this site, applicants must provide a brief personal statement that explains why the student wants to pursue a career in journalism, news media, or communication and how they perceive themselves as a leader (career interest can be in any aspect of the industry including engineering, sales, production (audio, video and sound editing, etc.), graphic design, human resources, etc.).

Submit two letters of reference from individuals, such as teachers/professors, counselors, or community leaders, who can attest to the candidate’s meritorious performance and personal strengths and assess the nominee’s potential for success. One of the letters of reference must be from a faculty member at Fresno State who taught the student. All letters must be dated this calendar year and signed. Recycled letters of recommendation from prior years will not be accepted for this scholarship.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 4, 2025

Please direct all questions to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Phone Number: (559) 278-2182