National Press Club Honors 2026 Scholarship Recipients Championing Future Journalism

On May 26, 2026, the National Press Club, a prominent body in the journalism field, announced the recipients of its annual scholarship program, awarding a total of $34,000 to six outstanding students. These scholarships are aimed at nurturing the next generation of journalists dedicated to serving their communities and highlighting important issues in society.

Meet the Awardees

Jackson Juzang

Jackson Juzang is the proud recipient of the Dennis and Shirley Feldman Fellowship, which provides a $5,000 one-time scholarship aimed at graduate students. Juzang, who is set to enroll at USC Annenberg, has a remarkable track record. While at Haverford College, he established the Philadelphia Student Press Association, which fosters collaboration among student-run newsrooms and promotes journalism within the region. Additionally, he created a multimedia company focused on delivering original content across various entertainment sectors including sports and music.

Sabrina Lam

Receiving the Bob Lewis Scholarship, Sabrina Lam is recognized for her achievements as a student journalist of color. This award includes housing and a $4,000 stipend for an internship at a news outlet in Washington, D.C. Currently interning at POLITICO, Lam has demonstrated her journalistic skills through previous internships with NBC LA and The Boston Globe, where she explored vital topics such as immigration policy, food insecurity, and social justice.

Noah White

The inaugural Rich Passan Sports Writing Scholarship, worth $5,000, was awarded to Noah White, an accomplished undergraduate student at the University of Florida. White has made significant contributions to sports journalism, notably covering Florida football and basketball for The Miami Herald. He is also leading a group of 20 students through a startup sports magazine that further reflects his dedication to journalistic excellence.

Santiago Campos

Santiago Campos was honored with the Wes Vernon Broadcast Scholarship, which can total up to $20,000 over four years. Campos has shown immense promise in his reporting. His work during high school, including participation in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, garnered national attention, where he tackled how U.S. immigration policies affect local communities.

Poojasai Kona

Poojasai Kona received the Scholarship for Journalism Diversity Honoring Julie Schoo, which can amount to $20,000 over four years. As a graduating senior in high school, Kona is actively involved in journalism, serving as a managing editor for her school’s news outlet. Furthermore, she is a state organizing officer for New Voices of Texas, advocating for press freedom and the rights of student journalists.

Karim Melek

The Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship, a one-time award of $5,000, went to Karim Melek, an incoming freshman at Northwestern University. Melek made impactful strides in high school as the editor-in-chief of his newspaper and founded The Illinois New Voices Coalition, a movement advocating for press freedom and protections for student journalists in Illinois.

Supporting Future Journalists

The administration of these scholarships is overseen by the National Press Club Journalism Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting First Amendment values. The Institute plays a crucial role in equipping journalists with the necessary skills and resources to inform and engage the public.

If you wish to support student-focused programs and ensure the future of journalism, consider donating to the National Press Club Journalism Institute.

About the National Press Club

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club stands as a crucial advocate for press freedom, with a membership comprising journalists from various notable news outlets. As a leading voice in the industry, the Club is committed to fostering a robust and free press in the U.S. and around the world.