Messenger-Anderson Journalism Scholarship and Internship Program

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force presents a $240,000 scholarship program for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in journalism or communications at an accredited four-year college or university.

The Messenger-Anderson Scholarship — believed to be the largest ever of its type — was donated by Larry Messenger and Jim Anderson in memory of Lawrence and Selina Messenger. The Messengers believed that there is a pressing need to encourage lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to become more involved in shaping media coverage. Fair coverage of LGBT issues insists upon the basic premise that all of us are created equally. But media coverage today often begins with the discriminatory notion that equality for LGBT people is somehow a matter for debate. By encouraging LGBT students to pursue journalism and by assisting them with their studies, the Task Force hopes to improve the way the LGBT communities and movement are covered.

Messenger-Anderson scholarships are available at a rate of $5,000 the first year, followed by up to $2,500 the next two years for a total award of up to $10,000. Those applicants awarded Messenger-Anderson scholarships must re-apply and qualify for renewals each year. Scholarship winners are required to participate in the eight-week Messenger-Anderson Internship program at the Task Force office in New York City.