Programs & Events
Discover the ways NABJ Chicago builds community and advances Black journalists year-round. From skill-building workshops and mentorship sessions to scholarship fundraisers, holiday celebrations like our Red Hot Holiday Party, speed mentoring at Guaranteed Rate Field, and powerful panels on media equity. Our events offer networking, professional development, and inspiration. Check out what’s coming up and join us!
Mentoring
At NABJ Chicago, we are committed to building meaningful pathways for the next generation of media professionals to grow and succeed.
Through impactful partnerships with organizations like Free Lunch Academy and Public Equity, as well as initiatives like Youth Media Day with Mayor Brandon Johnson, we create spaces where students can learn, connect, and thrive.
From mastering the fundamentals of interviewing to sharpening their writing and storytelling skills, students gain hands-on experience and insight from some of the industry’s most accomplished journalists and media leaders.
Apply Now: NABJ Chicago Scholarships
The National Association of Black Journalists Chicago Chapter accepts scholarship applications from students from the Chicagoland area, or out-of-state students attending Illinois colleges.
We offer four scholarships to deserving students pursuing careers in Journalism and Media.
Named in honor of the late ABC 7 photojournalist Eugene Stanback, this $5,000 scholarship supports students pursuing broadcast or visual journalism. It is awarded to emerging storytellers who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in television, digital video, or multimedia reporting.
Named in honor of the legendary Chicago Defender journalist and Godmother of the Black Press, this $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing print journalism who demonstrates strong reporting and writing skills, along with a commitment to telling impactful stories.
Made possible by the generosity of the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, this $5,000 scholarship supports a student pursuing sports journalism who demonstrates a passion for covering athletics through insightful reporting, storytelling, and analysis.
Made possible by the generosity of the Chicago White Sox team, this 5,000 scholarship supports students across all journalism disciplines. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to the field of journalism.
Requirements:
- College/university transcript showing a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Resume
- Three work samples of your choosing
- Letter of reference
- 1000-word essay that explains the significance of a career in journalism and how the scholarship will help you in achieving your aspirations.
Grammatical and spelling errors may lead to disqualification. Each student must select the scholarship they are applying for.
Scholarship award recipients are required to attend our holiday scholarship party in Chicago on December 10th.
Alternatively, a representative may accept the award on your behalf. More details to come if selected.
The deadline for submitting your application materials is November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.
Please send all materials to:
See Our Past Awardees Here!
Internship Opportunities
NABJ Chicago, in partnership with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Defender, offered a first-of-its-kind paid summer fellowship for aspiring sports journalists.
The fellows conducted interviews, wrote stories, and created social media content highlighting Chicago’s professional sports teams.
Eligibility:
College students & recent graduates
Stipend:
$2,500
Applications are currently closed. Please check back later!
See Our Past Awardees Here!
Past Events
Stay connected with the pulse of NABJ Chicago. From empowering events and award celebrations to advocacy wins, mentorship moments, and member spotlights our latest updates keep you in the loop on how we’re uplifting Black journalists and shaping inclusive media in Chicago and beyond
