Near + Now · PMJA Regional Professional Development Series
Near + Now
Scholarships
We built Near + Now to be affordable and close to home. We know “close” still isn’t free. These scholarships exist to close that gap.
across the series
every city
registration & travel
across the series
🕒 Applications are not yet open. The first window opens May 1 for Indianapolis and New York City. Sign up below and we’ll let you know when it’s time to apply.
Two types of scholarships, based on how far you’re traveling.
Each event offers 5 scholarships in two types: registration support, travel support, or both. Apply for what you actually need.
Each scholarship covers what you actually need to attend. When you apply, you’ll indicate whether you need help with registration, travel costs, or both. Travel support is available up to $500, awarded based on need and distance.
When you apply, check everything that applies to your situation. You don’t need to estimate costs.
Each Near + Now event covers a different topic. If the one that speaks most directly to your work isn’t the closest one to you, a scholarship can make that trip possible. Already registered? Just indicate that you need travel support only.
Who can apply
Scholarships are open to current PMJA members. Within that, we prioritize applicants in the following categories:
Currently between positions or looking to break into public media? A PMJA Career Transition Membership gives you full member access, including scholarship eligibility. Whether you’ve been laid off, are actively job-seeking, or are working toward a move into public media, this is a good moment to stay connected to the field. Learn about Career Transition Membership.
How scholarships work
Each event has its own application window
Indianapolis and New York City applications open May 1 and close June 7. Recipients notified by July 1. Austin and San Francisco applications open in October 2026. See the schedule below for notification dates.
Submit a short written application
We’ll ask for your basic info and a brief statement (150 words or less): how would attending this event benefit your work right now?
Committee review and board selection
Applications are reviewed by the PMJA conference committee, and recipients are confirmed by the PMJA board. We aim to notify recipients with enough time to make travel arrangements.
Register and plan your trip
Recipients receive support based on what they indicated in their application: a registration waiver, travel funds, or both. We’ll send details on how each is issued when we notify you.
When to apply for each event
Application windows are set well in advance so you have time to plan. Indianapolis and New York City share a window; Austin and San Francisco share a window. You’re applying for a specific event, not the series.
| Event | Event Date | Application Window | Recipients Notified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Move the Needle |
August 26, 2026 | May 1 – June 7, 2026 | By July 1, 2026 |
| New York City Emerging Tech & AI |
September 9, 2026 | May 1 – June 7, 2026 | By July 1, 2026 |
| Austin Beyond the Broadcast |
February 23, 2027 TENTATIVE | October 2026 | By January 15, 2027 |
| San Francisco Community-Centered Journalism |
March 9, 2027 TENTATIVE | October 2026 | By February 2027 |
A few things to know before you apply
- Scholarships are awarded per event. You may apply for more than one event, but only one scholarship will be awarded per station across the full series.
- Scholarships are non-transferable to another person.
- Applicants must hold an active PMJA membership in any type, including Student, Media Professional, or Career Transition.
- The PMJA board has final authority on all scholarship awards. PMJA reserves the right to award in any eligibility category in any combination.
- Questions? Contact us at conference@pmja.org.
Applications opening May 1.
Sign up for PMJA updates and you’ll hear as soon as each event’s scholarship window opens. In the meantime, explore the full series and start planning which event is right for you.
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