Purpose

The Inter American Press Association was established in 1942 to defend and promote the right of the peoples of the Americas to be fully and freely informed through an independent press. This right is basic to the survival of a free society and individual liberty.

At the same time IAPA recognized that an independent press, fundamental as it is, could not be the sole objective. Needed also was perceptive reporting that would contribute to better understanding among the countries of the Western Hemisphere.

It was for this reason that in 1954 the IAPA established a Scholarship Fund for young journalists and journalism school graduates. Under this program, U.S. and Canadian scholars spend an academic year studying and reporting in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Latin American and Caribbean scholars spend an academic year studying at a recognized U.S. or Canadian journalism school.

Sponsorship

The IAPA Scholarship Fund is supported financially by member publications and private foundations. It does not accept any funding from any government.

Eligible Candidates

-Journalists or journalism school seniors or graduates between 21 and 35 years of age with a good command of the language they are to use. Students must have completed their degree before beginning the scholarship year.

-Where experience is a prime consideration, three years of professional journalism are required.

-Language ability for U.S. and Canadian candidates must be attested to by a recognized authority in Spanish or Portuguese. Latin American candidates must take a TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Where

Latin American and Caribbean scholars may apply for admission to a U.S. or Canadian university with a recognized journalism school, subject to approval by the Scholarship Fund.

U.S. and Canadian scholars may select a Latin American or Caribbean country to study and work, with the approval of the Scholarship Fund.

Study Plan

All scholars must submit a study and work plan for their year abroad for the approval of the Scholarship Fund.

Latin American and Caribbean scholars must attend a journalism school for a full school year.

U.S. and Canadian scholars must:

1. Take a minimum of 3 university courses.

2. Participate in the Scholarship Fund's Reporting Program.

3. Undertake & submit to the Scholarship Fund a major research project.

Amount of Stipend

U.S. and Canadian Scholars will receive US$20,000 for the duration of their stay abroad.

Latin American and Caribbean scholars will receive US $ 20,000 and a one-time round-trip airfare for the year.

The scholarship grantees who study in the United States will have to declare their annual income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In accordance with this the IAPA will retain, or not, the amount established under the law.

Payments will be made at regular intervals by an official of the Scholarship Fund.

Award's time limit

Scholarship recipients shall have to begin their studies before September of the year following the award.

Deadline for Applying

Applications and their respective documentation shall be received between October 15, 2012 and January 30, 2013. The application is on the upper part of this page under Online Application. Documents can also be sent by ordinary mail to the IAPA Scholarship Fund, 1801 SW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33129, USA. The next winners will be announced during the IAPA Midyear Meeting March 8-11, 2013 in Puebla, Mexico. All officially registered participants will receive notification of the results.

To receive an application write to: IAPA Scholarship Fund, 1801 SW 3rd. avenue, Miami, FL 33129 - U.S.A.