Featured byMichigan State University
Overview
Scholarship type
Merit based
Number of scholarships to award
Multiple
Grant
Up to $4,000
Scholarship coverage
- tuition fee reduction
Description
The goal of the Howell Essay Scholarship is to encourage students to analyze the current use in social, academic and political discourse of propaganda, as defined as unproved and/or unverifiable assumptions in a report or statement of allegations reflecting the view and interests of its advocates.
This contest and scholarship were established by Grant Howell, former editor of The Daily (Royal Oak) Tribune, in memory of his parents, Walter and Syrena Howell.
This scholarship and award is given annually to a ComArtSci undergraduate student who writes the best essay examining media bias, a subject of deep concern to Howell. He was a feisty newsman, in the best sense of the word, always wanting his staff and his newspaper to cover the news fairly, objectively and honestly.
Benefits
Students wishing to apply for this scholarship and prize must write an essay. The student who writes the best essay in 1,500-2,500 words will be awarded a scholarship of at least $3,000 and a $1,000 prize. Judges may select additional worthy essays for recognition and scholarships.
Eligibility
- To be eligible, entrant must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate with a major in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and graduating in December or later. Scholarships are issued for the upcoming fall semester.
Scholarship requirements
Disciplines
Any
Locations
United States
Nationality
Any
Study experience required
High school
Age
Unknown
Application
Application deadline
17 Jan 2027
Essay Topic:
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution forbids the government from restricting the press. Yet, the U.S. began investigating RT (Russia Today) for disseminating “Russian propaganda” in the U.S. Following that, Meta, YouTube and other sites blocked RT. This is just one example of recent efforts to stop the spread of propaganda and unverifiable information as if they were statements of truth or accuracy. Can the United States have a free press and stop propaganda? Explain how.
In your essay, which may include text, audio or video, use and cite at least three sources. In keeping with the spirit of this assignment, entries will be checked to ensure nothing has been generated by artificial intelligence (AI) and that there is no plagiarism. Potential violations will be examined under the School of Journalism’s academic integrity policy.