James Alan Cox Student Photojournalism Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by James Alan Cox Foundation

Description

The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists was established in memory of television photojournalist James Alan Cox to support student photographers at the high school, college and graduate levels. The foundation provides financial assistance for equipment purchases and scholarships for college and technical-school classes. Its mission is to expand educational and professional opportunities for students who demonstrate interest, talent and financial need in photojournalism. Support is aimed at practical development rather than artistic or gallery-focused work.

Founded: Established in memory of James Alan Cox to provide targeted financial support and development opportunities for student photojournalists.

• Mission focused on education, equipment and scholarships.
• Supports high school, college/technical and graduate students.
• Emphasis on practical photojournalism development.

Type of Awards

The program issues a combination of cash scholarships and equipment awards to student photographers, with distinctions by education level and media type. Scholarships are payable to the recipient’s school, and camera awards are given directly to high school students. Award categories distinguish between video and still-photography work and between high school, college/technical and graduate applicants.

Award Value: Five $2,500 scholarships for college or technical-school students (four for video work, one for still photography); one $2,500 scholarship for a graduate student (video work); and five Digital SLR cameras awarded to high school students.

Eligibility: High school applicants compete for still-photography camera awards; college/technical applicants may compete for scholarships in video or still categories as specified; graduate applicants eligible for the single graduate video scholarship. Scholarships are payable to the students’ schools rather than to individuals.

• Multiple award types: scholarships and camera equipment.
• Distinct categories for high school, college/technical and graduate levels.
• Video awards primarily for college and graduate students; still awards for high school and one college scholarship.

Focus and Entry Guidelines

The foundation prioritizes photojournalism that "tells a story" — submissions should document real events or narrative situations rather than aim for fine-art expression. Entries should be timely, objective, and visually engaging; for still photography, entrants may submit single images or a coherent series related to one story. High school applicants should submit still photographs only; video submissions are expected from college and graduate applicants where applicable. The selection process considers demonstrated storytelling ability alongside financial need and talent.

Entry Requirements: Applicants are expected to submit relevant work samples and supporting materials, including an essay, academic transcript and letters of reference. Submissions must align with photojournalistic standards; still submissions should avoid non-journalistic subject matter such as glamour or purely decorative images.

• Primary emphasis on narrative, documentary photojournalism.
• Still work may be single images or a photo series tied to one story.
• Applicants must provide an essay, transcript and references.

Suggestions for Subject Matter

Recommended topics include community or school events, public safety responses, sporting events, scientific or civic activities, and human-interest scenes that convey change or consequence. The foundation acknowledges continuing stories related to the pandemic but encourages a wide range of timely community-focused subjects. Submissions should aim for clarity, objectivity and narrative strength, and should be aesthetically considered without prioritizing artistic abstraction. Choose stories that demonstrate reporting instincts, editing discipline and an ability to communicate through images or video.

Additional Notes: Do not submit images that are primarily decorative or staged for glamour; avoid floral studies, pet portraits or similar non-journalistic themes. The judges look for storytelling, relevance and professional approach.

• Prefer community-focused, timely and reportorial subjects.
• Work should be objective, narrative-driven and aesthetically effective.
• Avoid non-journalistic or purely decorative images.