About the Baptist Communicators Association

BCA Scholarship Program

Students

Since 1988, the BCA has provided scholarship(s) of up to $1,000 to deserving undergraduate students and one $500 graduate scholarship. In 1996, members implemented a similar set of scholarships which encourage minority-ethnic and international students in their pursuit of careers in Baptist communications. This scholarship awards one student scholarship of up to $1,000 annually to a qualified minority-ethnic or international student.

In order to encourage the growth and professional development of college, university, and seminary students in the field of Baptist communications, the Baptist Communicators Association will award:

  • one $1,000 scholarship to an undergraduate student,
  • one $1,000 scholarship to an undergraduate of minority ethnic or international origin, and
  • one $500 scholarship to a graduate student
  1. Undergraduate applicants must be majoring in communications, English, journalism or public relations and have a vocational objective in Baptist communications (required).
  2. Minority or international undergraduate applicants must be majoring in communications, English, journalism or public relations and have a vocational objective in Baptist communications.
  3. Graduate applicants must be studying in a related field and have vocational aspirations in Baptist communications.
  4. Applicants must be in good standing and present three letters of recommendation from individuals connected to his/her academic institution or appropriate church staff members.
  5. The student must have a 2.5 overall grade point average, with preference to be given by the committee to those who exceed minimum requirements.
  6. A statement should accompany the application stating why the student desires to have the BCA scholarship.
  7. The applicant's resume should accompany the application.
  8. The scholarship shall be for a one-year period (two semesters). The recipient may apply for the scholarship for more than one year, but the committee reserves the right to make its decision on need and merit each year.
  9. The Scholarship Committee will announce the winner during the BCA workshop.
  10. Students applying for the Compton and Stanley Scholarship must be of minority ethnic descent or international origin.
  11. Application must be received by the Scholarship Committee by March 1, 2018.
  12. Scholarship funds will be forwarded to recipients' institutions no later than August 1.

Student Application (.pdf)

Professionals

BCA has two professional scholarships that help provide financial assistance for members to attend BCA's annual workshop. Each scholarship is designed to pay for the winner's lodging and workshop registration fee. Deadline for 2018 scholarship applications will be March 1, 2018.

The association awards scholarships of up to $1,000 for BCA members to attend the annual workshop. In 1991, the membership named these scholarships in honor of Baptist journalists Al Shackleford and Dan Martin. The naming of the scholarship program recognizes the integrity and service given to the denomination by these two men who embody the professional standards to which members aspire.

There is also a provision to award up to $500 to a minority-ethnic or international BCA member for a variety of professional development activities. Named in honor of Alan Compton and Bob Stanley, former International Mission Board, SBC communicators, the scholarship recognizes their commitment to helping the Southern Baptist Convention cross the threshold from segregation to integration.

Al Shackleford and Dan Martin Professional Scholarship

In order to encourage the growth and professional development of full-time BCA members (who are not student members), the Baptist Communicators Association will award at least one scholarship annually. The scholarship should not exceed $1,000 total, and is given to provide assistance for attending BCA events.

  1. No member of the Scholarship Committee or the Executive Committee shall be eligible for this award.
  2. Selection of scholarship recipients will be recommended to the Executive Committee by the Scholarship Committee.
  3. Scholarship stipend will include the cost of conference registration and lodging. The individual's institution will be expected to pay travel expenses to and from the conference and all other related expenses.
  4. Scholarships will be granted to selected applicants desiring to attend BCA event.
  5. BCA will award at least one scholarship annually, with scholarship stipend(s) not to exceed $1,000. The committee may choose to grant as many scholarships as it deems appropriate up to this $1,000 limit.
  6. Winners will be announced annually at the BCA Awards observance during the workshop.
  7. Application shall include: a) name, address, and phone number of applicant; b) Current position/title, department and agency; c) Number of years worked in public relations/communications and number of years at the applicant's institution; d) Highest level of formal education attained and name of other professional development conferences or workshops attended in the past; e) copy of applicant's job description and resume; f) title and name of person to whom the applicant reports; g) statement of why financial assistance is needed and how much money is required.

Alan Compton and Bob Stanley Professional Scholarship

In order to encourage the growth and professional development of minority-ethnic and international BCA members or prospective members, BCA will award at least one scholarship annually, not to exceed $500. The scholarship will provide financial assistance for attendance at a BCA-related workshop. If the winner is unable to attend the workshop, the award may be applied toward BCA dues, or appropriate books, videotapes, computer programs or other professional development materials to be approved by the Scholarship Committee.

  1. No member of the Scholarship Committee or the Executive Committee shall be eligible for this award.
  2. Selection of scholarship recipients will be recommended to the Executive Committee by the Scholarship Committee.
  3. Scholarship stipend(s) will be determined by the Scholarship Committee based on minority-ethnic or international status, need and the request.
  4. BCA will award at least one scholarship annually, with scholarship stipend(s) not to exceed $500. The committee may choose to grant as many scholarships as it deems appropriate up to this $500 limit.
  5. Application shall include: a) name, address, and phone number of applicant; b) current position/title, department and agency; c) race or country of origin d) Number of years worked in public relations/communications and number of years at the applicant's institution; e) highest level of formal education attained and name of other professional development conferences or workshops attended in the past; f) copy of applicant's job description and resume; g) title and name of person to whom the applicant reports; h) Statement of why financial assistance is needed and how much money is required.

Professional Application