The Saron Gebresellassi Bilingual Journalism Scholarship

Founded by Saron Gebresellassi, J.D., M.Ed., Principal of Gebresellassi Private Office, the scholarship supports a student journalist who can report in both of Canada’s official languages, at a time when careful, independent reporting matters more than ever.

• The awardOne award of $2,500, paid directly to the recipient.
• Who may applyStudents enrolled in, or admitted to, a journalism, communications or media program at any Canadian college or university, who can work in both English and French. Students at institutions such as the University of Ottawa, Glendon College (York University), Carleton University, the Université de Moncton, La Cité, Université Laval, UQAM and Toronto Metropolitan University are warmly encouraged to apply.
• What to submitAn original essay of up to 750 words, in English or French, on one of seven themes, and a short paragraph of about 150 words in the other language on why bilingual journalism matters to you.
  — Gatekeepers: who decides what becomes news, and who gets left out?
  — Fear and the headline: how fear shapes reporting, and how journalists can see past it
  — A competitive Canada: free enterprise, red tape and the cost of regulation
  — Builders: telling the stories of Canada’s entrepreneurs
  — Why Canadians leave: talent, opportunity and the move abroad
  — Truth, reputation and critical thinking: defamation, fairness and clear thinking
  — The craft: focus, flow and the discipline of good reporting
• SelectionApplications are read by the Principal and assessed on insight, clarity, originality and command of both languages. Finalists will be asked to confirm enrolment.

Apply

Applications are received through this page only. Each application is read in confidence and used solely to select the recipient.

Applications are accepted until October 15, 2027.  ·  Press kit

The scholarship is offered independently by Gebresellassi Private Office. It is not administered by, or affiliated with, any of the institutions named.