Investing in the Future

SAAHJ is dedicated to helping Latinos and young professionals of all backgrounds pursue their careers in journalism and other areas of the communications sector. Every year, we help advance these endeavors by awarding tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students at our annual scholarship gala.

Beginning at our 2020 gala to at least our 2023 gala, San Antonio native and New York Times best-selling author Shea Serrano provided our organization with funds to offer a $5,000 scholarship in his name to a student who is interested in becoming a journalist or a published author.

San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists

Scholarship Application

Applications for SAAHJ's 2024 scholarships are open now through Feb. 24. You can learn more about application requirements below.

Who can apply?

Graduating seniors enrolling in college and current full-time undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in journalism or communications programs may apply. Students who commit to pursuing a career in the public relations industry may also apply. 

Students must live in Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina or Wilson counties OR attend school in San Antonio. They must also be able to demonstrate financial need.

All students, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, are encouraged to apply.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship can be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies.

How do I apply?

Thanks to a partnership with the San Antonio Area Foundation, SAAHJ has an online scholarship application.

Applicants must create an account via the foundation's website at saafdn.org and log in to fill out the internal universal application.

What happens next?

A panel of media and public relations professionals will evaluate applications in the spring, once the window to apply has closed. Winners will be featured at the annual SAAHJ gala in 2024.

Who do I contact with questions?

Jennifer Ballesteros with the San Antonio Area Foundation can be reached at jballesteros@saafdn.org or by calling 210-775-6295.

Current and Past Recipients

SAAHJ 2023 Scholarship Recipients

Students will be awarded scholarships totaling $65,000 to pursue their education.

Sergio Medina Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Achiraya Kurth University of Texas at Austin
Noah Davila Texas Tech University
Mia Aguirre St. Edward's University
J’Lauren Thomas Smith College
Flora Farr University of Texas at Austin
Christopher Valdovinos Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Malena Earls University of the Incarnate Word
Emma Siebold Emerson College
Alejandra De La O University of Texas at Austin
Miranda Ramirez University of the Incarnate Word
Mireya Escobar Texas State University
Esteban Serrano St. Mary's University
Jordan Jackson St. Edward's University

SAAHJ 2022 Scholarship Recipients

Students were awarded scholarships that totaled $40,000 to pursue their education.

Abigail Velez University of the Incarnate Word
Brian Yancelson Trinity University
Cristela Jones University of Texas at Austin
Gabrielle Yanez University of the Incarnate Word
Marylynn Alvarado University of Texas at Austin
Miranda Liguez University of Texas at Austin
Olivia Hernandez University of Texas at Austin
Raul Lopez Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Roy Jimenez University of North Texas
Sergio Medina* Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Zoe Del Rosario University of the Incarnate Word

*Shea Serrano, a multiple New York Times-bestselling author and San Antonio native, funded a $5,000 scholarship for an outstanding Latino student. Sergio Medina was selected to receive this scholarship.

SAAHJ 2021 Scholarship Recipients

Students were awarded scholarships that totaled $35,000 to pursue their education.

Antonio Bocanegra II University of the Incarnate Word
Brian Yancelson Trinity University
Roy Jimenez University of North Texas
Autumn Kretzschmar Cornell University
Victoria Velazquez University of the Incarnate Word
Cristela Jones Texas State University - San Marcos
Gabrielle Yanez University of the Incarnate Word
Zoe Del Rosario University of the Incarnate Word
Alisa Garza Our Lady of the Lake University
Brianna Almaguer University of Texas at San Antonio
Austin Martinez* University of Texas at Austin

*Shea Serrano, a multiple New York Times-bestselling author and San Antonio native, funded a $5,000 scholarship for an outstanding Latino student. Austin Martinez was selected to receive this scholarship.

SAAHJ 2020 Scholarship Recipients

Students were awarded scholarships that totaled $52,500 to pursue their education.

Liandre De la Uso Texas A&M-San Antonio
Karla Bello-Mondragon University of the Incarnate Word
Brigid Cooley Texas A&M-San Antonio
Samantha Ruvalcaba St. Mary’s University
Austin Martinez The University of Texas at Austin
Brian Yancelson Trinity University
Molly Tilton The University of Texas at Austin
Antonio Bocanegra II University of the Incarnate Word
David Rojas Texas A&M-San Antonio
Kailey Lopez Trinity University
Noah Alcala Bach University of Missouri
Melanie Salazar Tarelton State University
Gabrielle Yanez University of the Incarnate Word
Briana Caballero University of the Incarnate Word
Cristela Jones Texas State University

SAAHJ 2019 Scholarship Recipients

Students were awarded scholarships that totaled $40,000 to pursue their education.

Nicole Bautista Texas State University
Samantha Esparza Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Deandra Gonzalez Texas State University
Annette Guerra-Armendariz Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Cameron Jones University of Texas at Austin
Cristela Jones Texas State University
Kailey Lopez Trinity University
Bethany Melendez University of the Incarnate Word
Renee Muniz University of the Incarnate Word
Oziel Trevino-Munoz Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Christine Romero Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Samantha Salazar St. Mary's University
Armando Villarreal Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Gabrielle Yanez University of the Incarnate Word