Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minorities

The Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minorities is an annual scholarship awarded by United Methodist Communications, the communications and public information ministry of the United Methodist Church. It is named in honor of Leonard M. Perryman, a longtime journalist for The United Methodist News Service whose work focused on religion, culture, and inclusion. The scholarship celebrates Perryman’s legacy by investing in the next generation of communicators who will tell stories that matter, elevate diverse voices, and contribute to the future of media and ministry.

In this article, we’ll walk you through, the eligibility requirements, benefits, how to apply, and tips to strengthen your application

Scholarship Overview

• Deadline: March 15, 2026
• Award Amount: Up to $2,500
• Degree Level: Undergraduate (Junior or Senior)
• Field of Study: Journalism, Communications, or related media

Scholarship Benefits

The Leonard M. Perryman Scholarship offers several key benefits that make it both financially and professionally valuable:

• $2,500 Financial Award: Recipients receive a scholarship of up to $2,500 to help offset educational costs. These funds can be applied toward tuition, books, living expenses, or other educational needs during the semester or year in which the scholarship is awarded.
• Professional Recognition: Being selected for this scholarship is a meaningful accolade for students pursuing careers in communication and journalism. It reflects academic promise and leadership potential and media-related focus.
• Portfolio & Resume Boost: Inclusion of this award on your resume or CV can enhance your credibility when seeking internships, jobs, or graduate programs in journalism and communications.
• Support for Diversity in Media: Because the scholarship is targeted to racial and ethnic minorities, recipients join a community of storytellers who bring diverse perspectives to media, helping to advance inclusion and representation in journalism.

Eligibility Requirements

• United Methodist Membership: You must be a United Methodist and actively involved in the life of a United Methodist church, demonstrating your spiritual engagement and Christian commitment.
• Ethnic Minority Status: This scholarship is specifically for students who identify as part of a racial or ethnic minority group, such as:
  • African
  • American/Black
  • Hispanic/Latino
  • Asian/Pacific Islander
  • Native American/Alaska Native
  • Caribbean or other ethnic minority identities.
• Student Status: You must be an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university in the United States. Applicants in their junior or senior year of study.
• Major in Journalism or Communications: You must be pursuing a major in:
  • Journalism
  • Mass Communications
  • Media Studies
  • Related communications field.
• Interest in Religion Journalism: Applicants must demonstrate a serious intention to pursue a career in religion journalism or faith-based communications, such as reporting on stories that intersect faith, culture, community, and society.
• Academic Achievement: You must provide academic transcripts as part of the application, showing your commitment to excellence in your studies.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Official Scholarship Page:

Go to the United Methodist Communications scholarship page to download the scholarship application form.

2. Prepare Your Required Documents

Before applying, gather the following:

• Academic transcripts (from your current college or university)
• Three letters of recommendation:
  • One from your local church pastor or denominational official
  • One from the chairperson of your journalism/communications department
  • One from a supervisor or mentor who can speak to your communication skills

3. Compile Examples of Your Work

You will be judged in part on your journalistic experience, so prepare:

• Three examples of journalist work, this may include:
  • Print articles
  • Multimedia pieces
  • Broadcast segments
  • Blog posts or digital reporting. These examples should demonstrate your communication skills and creativity.

4. Write Your Personal Essay

• Your faith and commitment to the United Methodist Church
• Your interest in religion journalism or communications
• Your future goals and professional plans
• How this scholarship will help you achieve them
• Keep it clear, honest, and reflective, let your passion and purpose shine through.

5. Submit Your Application

There are multiple submission options for this scholarship:

• Email: Send all materials to: scholarships@umcom.org

• Mail:
  • Leonard M. Perryman Scholarship Committee United Methodist Communications P.O. Box 320 Nashville, TN 37202-0320

• Courier:
  • Leonard M. Perryman Scholarship Committee United Methodist Communications 810 12th Ave. South Nashville, TN 37203-4744

• Applications are due March 15, 2026, make sure your materials arrive or are emailed before that date.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Craft an Authentic Personal Essay: Your essay should:
  • Tell your personal journey and motivations
  • Emphasize what journalism or communications means to you
  • Demonstrate insight into diversity, faith, or social impact
  • Be honest, reflective, and specific.
  • Avoid general or vague statements.
• Showcase Your Best Media Work: Quality matters more than quantity. Include only your most polished, relevant, and professional-sounding pieces. Make sure:
  • Audio/video files play correctly
  • Links to online work are accessible
  • Written pieces are free of spelling/grammar errors
• Choose Recommenders Who Know You Well: Letters should come from people who:
  • Know your communication skills or work ethic
  • Can speak to specific accomplishments
  • Support your career goals in journalism or communications
  • Provide recommenders with a summary of your work and goals so they can write detailed, meaningful letters.
• Follow Instructions Exactly: Adhering to formatting, word limits, and submission procedures signals professionalism and respect for the committee’s guidelines.

Conclusion

The Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minorities offers an invitation to contribute your voice, vision, and perspective to the fields of journalism and communications. If you qualify, preparing a thoughtful and polished application could provide both financial support and momentum toward a meaningful media career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this scholarship?

• Undergraduate students who are United Methodist, from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, and pursuing journalism or communications.

2. What is the scholarship amount?

• The scholarship provides up to $2,500.

3. When is the deadline?

• The application is typically due March 15, 2026.

4. Are essays required?

• Yes. Most applicants must submit a personal essay about their goals and commitment to communications.

5. Do I need work samples?

• Yes. You generally need to submit a portfolio or examples of your media or journalism work.

6. Can I apply if I am not a United Methodist?

• No, active involvement with the United Methodist Church is required for eligibility.