Whether you’re a journalism student, a young professional, a field veteran or simply someone who supports journalism and the advancement of Asian Americans in the field, AAJA has something for you.

At AAJA, our mission is to:

  • To encourage Asian American and Pacific Islanders to enter the ranks of journalism.
  • To work for fair and accurate coverage of Asian American and Pacific Islanders.
  • To increase the number of Asian American and Pacific Islander journalists and news managers in the industry. 

GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND INTERNSHIPS 

AAJA-MN offers a $1,000 scholarship through the University of Minnesota. The aid can be used to defray the costs of internships, schooling or training opportunities.

Each year, AAJA-MN also offers paid, seven-week newspaper and local television internships. Past interns have worked at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Asian American Press and FOX 9 News.

Grants are also offered each year to help pay for training opportunities or to help defray the costs of attending the national AAJA or Unity conventions. Applications for convention grants are due by the convention early registration deadlines.

For 2008, the board approved nearly $5,500 for scholarships and grants. Download an application under the links section on the left-hand side of this page.

SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

AAJA-MN is the proud sponsor of the Spotlight Awards, which honors the best in college journalism every school year. The contest is open to all students at an accredited university.

Awards will be given in three categories: news, features and visual. The first-place winner in each category receives $100; second and third place win $50 and $25, respectively.

Download an application under the links section on this page.

OUR EVENTS 

  • Taste of AAJA: The chapter’s biennial fundraiser featuring Pan-Asian cuisine, entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit AAJA scholarships and grants. 
  • Media Access Workshops:Learn about the inner workings of media companies and what makes the front page or evening news broadcast. 
  • AAJA Holiday Party: Cap off the end the year with AAJA at a social mixer for members, supporters and friends. 
  • And more! Stay up to date with AAJA events and news by joining our listserv.

BUDGET

2008 Budget: $14,100

  • Taste of AAJA: $1,700
  • Scholarship: $1,000
  • General purpose: $2,100
  • Internships: 3 @ $750 each, $2,250
  • UJW support: $750
  • Grants: 6 @ up to $200, $1,200
  • ELP grant: 1 @ up to $1,000
  • National board rep expenses: $1,500
  • College journalism awards (money and prizes): $600
  • Camp AAJA: $1,000
  • J-Camp: $1,000