FMU’s mass communication department announced on Jan. 22 that the South Carolina Broadcasters Association (SCBA) will be offering two scholarship opportunities this year.

David Baxley, assistant professor of mass communication, and Tim Hanson, mass communication department chair, held a meeting to inform students about the scholarship funding provided for broadcast students. Students learned that the two winners will receive scholarships worth $1,750 each.

This is the second year that the SCBA has provided funding for broadcast-track students. Baxley emphasized to students who were undecided about which track to choose that only broadcast students were eligible for the scholarship. The SCBA Scholarship is open and available to any non-senior broadcast students.

Last year’s scholarship winner was Kaitlyn Luna, the Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper, The Patriot.

This year, the mass communications department is hoping to have more students apply.

During the meeting, Hanson and Baxley explained the requirements and gave students advice. Students who apply are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 minimum and at least a 3.0 mass communication GPA. They are also required to submit two references along with the application.

A lot of the students who attended were very excited to know that there is an opportunity to receive a scholarship that would make their school expenses more affordable.

Kristen Woodard was one of the broadcast students who said she appreciated the scholarship opportunity.

“Having to pay for college out of pocket can be really stressful,” Woodard said. “Any help would make things easier and give us the chance to focus more on internships instead of jobs to pay for school and other bills.”

Applications for the scholarships are located in the mass communication’s office (CEMC 111). These applications are due by 12 p.m. on Feb. 12.

Applications must be turned in before the due date.