Cómo solicitar la beca

"La prensa impresa por sobre la palabra hablada y la profusión de imágenes todavía tiene el poder de suscitar la reflexión, el debate y estimular la acción".
--CARLOS M. CASTAÑEDA

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Carlos M. Castañeda Journalism Scholarship was established in 2005 to honor Carlos M. Castañeda, a Cuban-born journalist who dedicated his life to promote excellence in journalism. For more than 50 years, he worked as a reporter, editor, publisher, newspaper designer and consultant. His greatest contribution was teaching through his own example. He practiced his profession with integrity, passion, and enthusiasm. In the process, he brought out the best in others.

SCHOLARHIP INFORMATION

The FECMC grants a $7,000 one-year scholarship to a Spanish-speaking individual for graduate studies in Journalism at an accredited university in the United States, approved by the FECMC. After successfully completing the first year, the individual may apply for a second year. A second year scholarship may be granted after reviewing the student's grade point average and general performance.

In case of a tie, the jury may ask the candidates involved to write a second essay on a theme to be chosen by the judges and to be interviewed by them.

The student must present proof of acceptance to a graduate journalism program and the conditions of his or her acceptance, as well as documentation concerning the cost of the program. Half of the annual scholarship funds will be given directly to the student at the start of each semester. At the end of the first semester, if the performance and GPA are acceptable (3.0 or higher) and the student has abided by all the rules, the funds corresponding to the second semester will be released upon presentation of the corresponding documents.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. Academic Achievement - The Carlos M. Castañeda Journalism Scholarship will be awarded to a Spanish- speaking journalist or journalism student who has completed a four-year undergraduate program, with a minimum 3.0 GPA (of 4.0) average or the equivalent to a B average. An undergraduate major in journalism is not necessary.

2. Commitment to Journalism in the Spanish language - The candidate must demonstrate a sincere desire to pursue a career in the field of journalism in Spanish. The candidate must master the Spanish language at a professional level and must be able to translate thoughts into words proficiently. The candidate must demonstrate knowledge and interest for Hispanic culture and be up-to-date on current events in Latin America.

3. Acceptance to Graduate Program in Journalism - The candidate must have been accepted to a graduate journalism program at an accredited university in the United States, approved by the FECMC.

4. Candidates must agree to submit at the end of the academic year, a written evaluation of their experiences as a Carlos M. Castañeda Scholar.

REQUIRED CMC JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION MATERIALS

1. Application Form, completely filled-out.

2. All Transcript(s) of academic work in sealed envelopes with an official school seal or a signature across the flap.

3. Proof of acceptance into a graduate journalism program, with conditions of acceptance and documentation of cost.

4. Your (or your parents') most recent 1040 tax form or equivalent tax documents if you are from a foreign country.

5. Curriculum Vitae listing your educational background, work history, awards, internships, language proficiency and any work done for your school or community newspaper.

6. Reference letters (3) in separate sealed envelopes from people who know your academic and journalism work; for example, professors, advisors, employers, etc.

7. A Portfolio with three of your best stories published by professional or school publications in Spanish (photocopied and adapted to fit an 8 1/2" by 11" page).

8. An Essay containing approximately 2000 words, in Spanish on the following theme: Throughout his long career, Castañeda sought ways to spark readers´ interest in his print newspaper which faced the challenges of radio and television, and he succeeded in his endeavors to raise circulation and influence. New technologies are the menace of this century. Based on Carlos M. Castañeda´s thinking, how should a print newspaper be today in order to assure its survival? (A través de su larga carrera, Castañeda buscó la manera de despertar el interés del lector en el periódico impreso ante las amenazas del Siglo XX, la radio y la televisión, logrando aumentar su influencia y circulación. Las nuevas tecnologías constituyen la amenaza del Siglo XXI. Basado en lo que pensaba Carlos M. Castañeda ¿cómo debe ser un periódico impreso hoy para asegurar su supervivencia?)

Fundación Educativa Carlos M. Castañeda
ATTN: FECMC Journalism Scholarship
1925 Brickell Avenue D-1108
Miami, FL 33129

REMEMBER:

To include a CD or 3 photocopies of materials requested in number 9 above..
All applications must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2012.
All materials and supporting documents MUST be submitted with the application. No materials submitted separately will be accepted or considered.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you send your package via US MAIL, we recommend that you DO NOT send it registered or certified mail, or any other way that requires a signature, since our volunteer staff works part time and will not be available to sign for it; we know from previous experience that the US Postal Service will return your package if there is no one to sign for it at the time of delivery. However, if you feel you must require a signature, you should use a private carrier, (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) since these companies are willing to work with us to ensure packages are delivered. AS SOON AS WE RECEIVE AN APPLICATION PACKAGE, WE SEND AN EMAIL TO THE CANDIDATE, LETTING HIM/HER KNOW THAT IT HAS BEEN RECEIVED.