The Chronicle of Higher Education is pleased to announce that Amelia Benavides-Colón is this year’s recipient of the Diversity in Journalism Scholarship & Internship, and Robert Hill is this year’s first recipient of the new Diversity in Multimedia Business Scholarship & Internship. The scholarships are part of The Chronicle’s commitment to helping foster the next generation of journalists and bringing more diverse voices into the industry. It is an effort to ensure that diversity is a critical part of journalism excellence, now and in the generations to come.

“I am honored to be selected as The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Diversity in Media scholarship recipient,” said Amelia Benavides-Colón, a recent graduate of Wayne State University. “As a student journalist in Detroit, I’ve spent the last four years immersed in the world of local news, understanding the vital role citizens play in government oversight. Through my education and experience leading Wayne State University’s student newspaper, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of strong diversity in newsrooms, and I am proud to be part of a program dedicated to making space for journalists of all backgrounds. I look forward to bringing the perspective of an inner-city Latina to The Chronicle’s newsroom this summer and expanding upon coverage of marginalized communities across the country.”

“What inspired me to apply for this scholarship was The Chronicle of Higher Education’s mission statement, which included ‘diversity’," said Hill, a student at Howard University. “One of my main goals is to give back and create successful programs for African Americans to increase the number of Black people in the media industry. This opportunity aligned with my essential goal of making the media industry diverse. This scholarship will help me throughout my education journey at Howard University by allowing me to continue gaining new opportunities that will build my character, perfect my craft in journalism, and aid me in making wise decisions about my future endeavors.”

Each scholarship includes:

  • $10,000 award
  • Admission to The Chronicle’s summer editorial reporting internship
  • Admission to The Chronicle’s summer multimedia/business internship program
  • Stipend towards transportation, food, and housing costs

Eligibility for the journalism scholarship requires being an undergraduate or graduate student at a HBCU, HSI, MSI, or an international student pursuing a concentration in journalism or related field. The inaugural multimedia business scholarship eligibility requires attendance at a HBCU, HSI, or MSI located in Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia and pursuit of a four-year degree that aligns with the media publishing industry through fields of study in marketing, communications, information systems, or finance.

“The Chronicle heartily congratulates Amelia Benavides-Colón and Robert Hill on receiving their well-deserved diversity scholarships,” said Mike Riley, president and editor in chief of The Chronicle. “It is certainly a win for us, as they represent the best and brightest in student journalism. They are torchbearers for a more inclusive and equitable newsroom, and that gives me much optimism for journalism’s future.”

About The Chronicle of Higher Education:

The Chronicle of Higher Education, founded in 1966, is a privately owned, independent news and information organization. Every month, The Chronicle provides more than 1.5 million professionals across higher education the right information to make the best decisions for their students, institutions, and careers. For more than five decades, The Chronicle has been the unrivaled leader in higher-ed journalism, providing award-winning news and information, deep insights, and opportunities for professional growth to those who shape colleges and universities. It is owned by The Chronicle of Higher Education Inc., which publishes The Chronicle of Higher Education, Arts & Letters Daily, and The Chronicle Review.

Maureen Ryan, Associate Director, Strategic Communications (703) 303-3530, maureen.ryan@chronicle.com