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Donor Funded Undergraduate Scholarships

There are a number of donor-funded named scholarships that are available to undergraduates currently enrolled in the School of Communication. Please note that these scholarships are subject to availability. All scholarships are need based as determined by the office of Financial Aid. Additional criteria are listed under each scholarship in the drop down below.

The 2025-2026 scholarship applications will be open for submission April 1st and close May 12th. Eligible students may apply for more than one scholarship.

  • Using your AU username and ID, log in to the following site: https://american.academicworks.com/users/sign_in
  • Complete and submit an application for the eligible scholarships
  • Click “Opportunities” at the top of the screen and, if prompted, click “All”
  • Scroll down to find the application for the name of the SOC Donor Funded Scholarship that you will apply for
  • Click “Apply”
  • Submit the required information in the application and then click “Finish and Submit”

For more information about our undergraduate scholarships, please contact SOC's Office of Student and Academic Affairs at communication@american.edu.

Donor Funded Scholarships Currently Being Awarded (For AY 25-26)

The Michael Forman and Bonnie Brae Forman Endowed Scholarship was established by trustee emeritus Michael R. Forman. This scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in Film and Media Arts who has excelled in the field. It is renewable from year to year.

Number of Awards: 3 Amount: Up to $10,000

The Miriam Ottenberg Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Miriam Ottenberg, a former reporter for the Washington Star, by friends and family. This scholarship is awarded to a full-time rising junior or senior student majoring in Journalism who is in good standing and has financial need. Secondary consideration will be given to students in other majors in the School of Communication. The scholarship is renewable from year to year.

Number of Awards: 2 Amount: Up to $10,000

The Nick Charles Scholarship is awarded to students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing a Journalism degree. Preference will be given to students of color who demonstrate a dedication to expanding diversity within the field of broadcast journalism and who are committed to pursuing a career in journalism upon graduation. The scholarship is renewable from year to year.

Number of Awards: 1 Amount: Up to $2,000

The Kermit Barclift Scholarship is awarded to a freshman who is enrolled in the School of Communication and will be based on academic merit and financial need. The scholarship is renewable from year to year.

Number of Awards: 1 Amount: Up to $2,000

Donor Funded Scholarships Subject to Availability (Not currently Available)