Gridiron is presented by the Kansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, which has a mission to raise money for journalism scholarships for Kansas college students. For 2025-26, SPJ awarded $16,500 in scholarships.
Scholarship opportunities for Kansas college students who are working toward a career in journalism.
DEADLINE: All applications must be received by midnight on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.
General eligibility requirements:
- College sophomore, junior or senior (2026-27 academic year)
- Enrolled full time at a Kansas accredited college or university (both semesters to get full award)
- Actively pursuing a career in journalism (finding & reporting factual information in print, broadcast or online formats)
- Minimum 2.5 overall GPA
By submitting an application, you are confirming that you meet the above criteria
Scholarships include but are not limited to the following (Note: Scholarships depend on fundraising, so some may not be offered every year):
Bill Murfin Memorial Scholarship
Presented by Murfin Media
Award: $5,000
The Bill Murfin Memorial Scholarship promotes journalism excellence. This scholarship is presented by the family of the late William R. Murfin, a pioneering business leader in the oil and gas industry and entrepreneurial enterprises. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY: Students must have at least a 3.0 overall GPA and list at least three professional references.
Wichita Journalism Legends Scholarship
Award: $3,000
The Wichita Journalism Legends Scholarship honors the contributions of three journalism legends, Les Anderson, Randy Brown and Michael Bates. Les Anderson was a professor in the Elliott School of Communication at Wichita State University and publisher and owner of the Ark Valley News. Randy Brown was a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist who served as Gridiron’s longtime master of ceremonies and who spent the majority of his career at KAKE-TV, the Wichita Eagle and as an assistant professor at in the Elliott School of Communication. Michael Bates was a Gridiron veteran and Associated Press correspondent for South Central Kansas.
Wichita Business Journal Scholarship
Presented by the Wichita Business Journal
Award: $3,000
The Wichita Business Journal Scholarship honors the late Bill Roy and Daniel McCoy of the Wichita Business Journal, who established high standards for fair and accurate business reporting in south central Kansas. Priority for this award will go to students who demonstrate an interest in business and industry reporting.
Kansas Minority Scholarship
Award: $2,500
The Kansas Minority Scholarship is intended for traditionally disadvantaged students who are underrepresented in journalism.
Jerry Siebenmark News Scholarship
Presented by Aviation International News
Award: $1,500
This scholarship honors Jerry Siebenmark, a graduate of Wichita State who combined his love of journalism with his love for aviation. He began his journalism career at the Wichita Business Journal before moving to the Wichita Eagle. He then accepted a position as an aviation reporter and editor for Aviation International News. Siebenmark died in 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
SPJ Kansas Pro Chapter Scholarship
Award: $1,500
The SPJ Kansas Pro Chapter Scholarship honors all the Kansas journalists who serve our communities. Journalism matters, now more than ever, and through this scholarship, we aim to help those who aspire to continue the important work of telling the stories of everyday people and holding those in power accountable.
Vera G “Crossing the Street” Scholarship
Award: $1,000
This scholarship is sponsored by Kansas journalist Deb Gruver in honor of her mother, Vera, and is funded with money received by settlements with the City of Marion and Marion County for violations of the First and Fourth Amendments, the Kansas Shield Law and the Privacy Protection Act.