[National Press Photographers Foundation](https://nppf.org)

February 2027 (Scholarship application deadline, projected)

$2,500 award; typically paid to the recipient’s university or as a check

Honors two newspaper photojournalists by supporting students pursuing photojournalism at four-year U.S. colleges or universities.

Preference given to applicants from South Florida; open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

--- ## Description The Blackburn/East Scholarship, administered by the National Press Photographers Foundation (NPPF), commemorates the legacy of Reid Blackburn and Bob East, two influential newspaper photojournalists. This annual scholarship aims to encourage and support undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing careers in photojournalism at four-year colleges or universities in the United States. The award recognizes dedication, storytelling ability, and the need for financial assistance, with a preference for applicants from South Florida. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated/projection for next cycle) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $2,500 scholarship award. - Funds are typically deposited directly into the recipient’s university/college bursar account, or a check for $2,000 may be mailed to the recipient, depending on their instructions. --- ## Eligibility - Open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled for the spring semester at a four-year college or university in the United States. - International students residing in the U.S. are eligible. - Applicants must be pursuing a career in photojournalism. - Preference is given to students from South Florida. - Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic standing, and a commitment to ethical photojournalism. --- ## Application Process - Prepare a portfolio of work (images/videos) according to NPPF’s technical specifications. - Obtain a recommendation letter from a professor/lecturer familiar with your photojournalism (on university letterhead, signed, PDF format). - Complete the NPPF CV submission form, including essays on your journey, financial need, and career aspirations. - Submit all materials via the Picter platform ([Picter application portal](https://site.picter.com/2026-nppf-college-scholarships)). - Ensure all entries adhere to the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) Code of Ethics. - Portfolio requirements: up to 24 images and/or up to 10 videos (each video max 10 minutes). - Copyright for submitted work remains with the applicant, but NPPF may use images for educational and promotional purposes. --- ## Additional Information - Recipients are notified within about a month after the application deadline. - The scholarship is one of several NPPF awards; applicants are considered for multiple scholarships with a single application. - All materials and documents must be submitted electronically via Picter. - Payment of any taxes or expenses related to the scholarship is the responsibility of the recipient. --- ## External Links - [Blackburn/East Scholarship program page](https://nppf.org/scholarship/blackburn-east) - [NPPF Student Scholarships overview](https://nppf.org/student-scholarships/) - [NPPF CV Submission Form (PDF)](https://nppf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/NPPF_Scholarship_CV_form.pdf) - [Portfolio preparation guidelines](https://nppf.org/online-portfolio-image-preparation/) - [Picter application portal](https://site.picter.com/2026-nppf-college-scholarships) - [NPPA Code of Ethics](https://nppa.org/code-ethics) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | |----------------------------|-------------------------------| | General Scholarship Inquiries | GRANTS@NPPF.ORG | | Application/Technical Questions | [Dr. James Kelly](mailto:jkelly@nppf.org) |

Blackburn/East

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