Guy P. Gannett Journalism Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Maine Community Foundation

History of the Award
**Founding and family legacy**
The Guy P. Gannett Scholarship Fund traces its roots to the Gannett family’s long involvement in New England media. Guy P. Gannett built a regional newspaper and broadcast presence beginning in the early 20th century; his family later placed a trust naming his granddaughter Maddy Corson as a future steward. In 2000, Corson and her uncle John Gannett launched the scholarship fund using resources from the Guy P. Gannett Foundation to support Maine students pursuing journalism. The fund was established to continue the family’s commitment to journalism and community service.
Key takeaways:
- Established in 2000 by Maddy Corson and John Gannett.
- Fund originates from the Guy P. Gannett Foundation and family trust.
- Created to perpetuate the family’s long-standing media legacy.

Description (Purpose)
**What the scholarship supports**
The Guy P. Gannett Scholarship provides renewable financial aid for students pursuing journalism or closely related fields across print, broadcast, and electronic media. Its primary aim is to prepare and sustain future journalists by covering tuition and related educational expenses. The program supports students through undergraduate and graduate study, encouraging practical engagement in journalistic coursework and activities.
Key takeaways:
- Supports majors in journalism and related media fields.
- Covers tuition and other educational expenses.
- Designed to nurture students who intend to enter journalism careers.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Eligibility is limited to students who completed their final year of secondary education in Maine—either at a Maine high school or through homeschooling in a Maine community. Applicants should be planning to major in journalism or a closely related discipline at a postsecondary institution. The program is open to students seeking undergraduate or graduate study, provided they meet the residency/schooling requirement.
Key takeaways:
- Must be a Maine high school graduate or home-schooled in Maine in the final year.
- Intended for students committing to journalism or allied media fields.
- Available for both undergraduate and graduate study.

Selection and Renewal Process
**How recipients are chosen and maintained**
Recipients are selected by a committee that looks for a demonstrated commitment to journalism and an upward trajectory in that commitment as students progress. The scholarship committee monitors academic progress and expects increasing evidence of professional intent, such as relevant coursework, internships, and extracurricular involvement. Awardees are encouraged to apply for annual renewal; continued funding depends on demonstrated academic progress and sustained journalistic focus.
Key takeaways:
- Selection emphasizes demonstrated and growing commitment to journalism.
- Renewals require evidence of academic progress and continued intent.
- Committee reviews professional engagement (courses, internships, activities).

Award Value
**Range and factors that determine award size**
Scholarship awards vary widely to match individual student circumstances and needs. Individual awards have ranged from about $1,000 up to $60,000, with amounts determined by factors such as financial need, academic performance, level of study, and involvement in journalism. The fund is structured to enable meaningful support that can be renewed across multiple years when criteria are met.
Key takeaways:
- Awards typically range from $1,000 to $60,000.
- Amounts are based on need, academic achievement, education level, and involvement.
- Designed to be renewable for multi-year support.

Application Timeline and How to Apply
**Submission process and timing**
Applications are submitted online through the scholarship program’s managing organization; prospective applicants should consult the program webpage for the current application window and deadline. Applicants typically need to provide academic transcripts, financial information, and documentation of journalistic activities or intent (such as a portfolio or statement of purpose). Renewal candidates should reapply or follow the specified renewal process each academic year to remain eligible for continued funding.
Key takeaways:
- Apply online; check the program page for current deadlines.
- Prepare transcripts, financial documentation, and evidence of journalistic work or intent.
- Renewal requires annual reapplication or adherence to the fund’s renewal procedure.

Where to Find More Information
**Primary resources**
For application forms, deadlines, and the most current program details, consult the scholarship’s official page hosted by the administering organization. Contact information and specific application instructions are provided there; prospective applicants and advisers should use that source for authoritative guidance.
Key takeaways:
- Visit the scholarship’s official program page for authoritative details.
- Use the site to access application forms and contact information.
- Confirm current deadlines and submission requirements online.