James Alan Cox Foundation Student Photojournalism Scholarships
Offered by The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists
About This Scholarship
The James Alan Cox Foundation was created in memory of a television photojournalist and supports student photographers and videographers at both the high school and college level. Each year the foundation awards five $2,500 scholarships to college and technical school students (four for video work and one for still photography), one $2,500 scholarship to a graduate student for video work, and five digital SLR cameras to high school students.
Applicants submit a portfolio of photo or video work along with a brief essay, two letters of reference, and a school transcript. Financial need is one of the selection factors, alongside interest and talent in photojournalism. College applicants must have completed at least one year of school with coursework in photography or photojournalism; high school applicants must be sophomores or older with at least one photography-related class.
The 2026 application is open now: submissions are accepted from July 15, 2026, through midnight on November 16, 2026, and there is no entry fee.
Eligibility
- High school sophomores or older with at least one photography or related art class (camera awards)
- College or technical school sophomores or older with photography/photojournalism coursework ($2,500 video and still-photo scholarships)
- Graduate students enrolled in a journalism or photojournalism program ($2,500 video scholarship)
- Portfolio submission plus brief essay, two references, and transcript required
- No entry fee
How To Apply
- Assemble your portfolio (video for college/graduate applicants, still photos for the still-photography and high school categories)
- Complete the online application at jamesalancoxfoundation.org between July 15 and November 16, 2026, including essay, references, and transcript
Frequently Asked Questions
Do high school winners receive cash?
High school winners receive digital SLR camera equipment rather than cash. The $2,500 cash scholarships go to college, technical school, and graduate student winners.
Is financial need considered?
Yes. The foundation weighs interest, talent, and financial need when selecting winners, along with the portfolio, essay, references, and transcript.