Thank you for your interest in the 2025-26 Steen Miles Journalism/Communications Scholarship, administered through the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ).
This is a $4,000 one-time scholarship for applicants pursuing degrees in journalism, communications broadcast, radio, print, or digital media. The winner will also receive a one-year membership to AABJ. The winner will be notified via email by May 1, 2025.
Click the following link to apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SwOwNoNTqHjJU9G1AdXZXav7pa42rwdTonamaofoGMs/edit
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
- Attend an accredited college or university in metro Atlanta
- Must be pursuing a journalism/mass communications degree or other related fields (i.e., English, Communications, Digital Media, etc.)
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Must be involved in a form of community/student media (ex: college newspaper, broadcast radio or TV, etc.)
SUBMISSIONS:
- Completed application
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals who are familiar with your work and your character (ex: professors, mentors, professional journalists)
- College transcripts
- Must be a 2nd-semester freshman, sophomore, or a junior (graduating seniors are not eligible)
- Must submit three (3) work samples:
- Broadcast/Radio – published article/story or video/audio
- News media – published article/story from the Internet (Websites, blogs, etc.)
- Print – published article
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
- Work or intern a minimum of 15 hours with AABJ (The Byline, In Contact, or serve on an AABJ committee); during the Fall 2025 semester; from August 15, 2025, and your work must be completed by May 31, 2026.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59p EST on March 31, 2025
- Completed and signed scholarship application
- Two letters of recommendation on official letterhead (one letter must be from one of your current professors/teachers)
Letters CANNOT be from family members
(NOTE: Letters must be signed, typed on letterhead, and enclosed in a sealed envelope.)
- Official Sealed College Transcript
- Disclaimer for Scholarship Funds Disbursement
*Incomplete packages will not be considered for an award.
Confidentiality Notice: All information and responses submitted in this application packet are confidential and will be used only by the members of the AABJ – Steen Miles Scholarship Selection Committee
The Honorable Minister Ollisteen “Steen” Miles
The Steen Miles Journalism/Communications Scholarship” was established in honor of the late Honorable Minister Ollisteen (Steen) Miles, member and associate minister of Greenforest Community Baptist Church for 30 years. A resident of DeKalb County, Honorable Miles was an outstanding journalist and public servant; her career peaked as managing editor and reporter-anchor for WXIA TV, the Atlanta NBC affiliate. She was the chief media relations officer for the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, an editorial writer for The Champion Newspaper, a consultant for Unconditional Love for Children, Inc., and a highly sought public speaker. She later pursued her public service ministry and was elected to the Georgia State Senate by a landslide victory.
Miles has been recognized with over 275 awards and honors from businesses, government, civic organizations, Greek organizations, churches, schools, and universities during her esteemed career. She has won three Emmy Awards and received four Emmy nominations. In 2012, Miles was awarded the 1st Place Editorial Writing Award by the Georgia Press Association, and in 2013, she was honored by 4th District Congressman Hank Johnson with an Outstanding Citizen Citation. In 1996, Miles was awarded the coveted Pioneer Journalist of the Year by the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists. She was an SCLC Women Mentor with the late Evelyn Lowery and was featured in Who’s Who in Black Atlanta. Her life achievements are documented in an in-depth interview with photographs in the archives of “The History Makers,”—our nation’s most complete collection of biographies of notable African-American personalities. Miles was invited twice to the White House as part of a select group of national journalists and invited by the Speaker of the House to attend the ceremony where Nelson Mandela received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1998. In 2006, she was honored with the Keys to the City of South Bend, Indiana, her hometown. Her childhood memoir, Teenie: Newslady in Training, was published in 2007.
As a phenomenal mentor to many young girls and journalists, a leader and past president in Jack and Jill of America (Stone Mountain Chapter), an associate minister, and a member and program chair in the “Orchid’s Service Organization,” she impacted many lives. Her countless journalism and service awards from businesses, the faith community, non-profit organizations, and government entities are a testament to a well-lived life.
This Scholarship is sponsored by The Earl and Carolyn Glenn Foundation, Incorporated.