The Lewis Scholarship, established in 2023, provides free housing and a monthly stipend to support student journalists of color with internships at news media outlets in Washington, D.C.
This Scholarship has an estimated value of $10,000 and is awarded to one undergraduate student journalist of color each summer semester. The scholarship will provide a stipend of $1,000 per month and free housing provided through Washington Intern Student Housing for the duration of the student’s internship, usually four months.
To be eligible, an applicant must:
Be a currently enrolled college student of color in their third or fourth year of undergraduate study who is at least 18 years of age (graduating seniors may apply for this scholarship if their internship takes place in the semester immediately following graduation)
Have a 3.0 grade-point average or higher
Independently secure an on-site journalism internship in Washington, D.C. to take place during the semester they would receive the scholarship
Provide a letter or email of acceptance showing they have secured an on-site journalism internship in Washington, D.C., to take place during the semester they would receive the scholarship (this is not needed at the time of application)
Plan to pursue a career in journalism
Students do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply but must attend an accredited college or university in the U.S. for this scholarship.
We strongly encourage applicants to submit their materials for the Lewis Scholarship at the same time they are applying for internships, rather than wait until they receive an internship notification. Institute staff will verify your internship status.