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Medill Senior Jesse Sparks Awarded NABJ Scholarship

Since 2009, NABJ has awarded $470,196 in scholarships.

Medill senior Jesse Sparks was awarded the Visual Task Force Scholarship by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). NABJ awards scholarships annually to deserving students interested in pursuing careers in journalism. This year, NABJ has awarded $27,500 in scholarships.

"NABJ is committed to helping our student members reach their full potential by providing financial assistance. Our scholarship program continues to be a strong initiative to help defray ever-rising educational costs," said NABJ President Sarah Glover. "We are proud of this year's scholarship recipients and we will continue to nurture the next generation of media professionals."

NABJ's scholarships are a part of the Student Education Enrichment and Development Program (SEED), which provides professional and educational opportunities to students pursuing careers in journalism. Since 2009, NABJ has awarded $470,196 in scholarships.

"I'm incredibly honored to have been selected as an NABJ Visual Task Force Scholarship winner,” said Sparks. I came into college holding so tightly to my dreams of becoming a journalist. Over the last few years, I've had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best journalists and designers in the world. It's been an incredible experience to work with Associate Professor Susan "Mango" Curtis. It's been a great chance to show that visual journalism, and specifically design, has such an important role in shaping the future of journalism.

Sparks, added, “While the $1,500 award is so crucial, I've been astounded by the support and recognition I have received. It's recognition of hard work, of my mother's sacrifices to make sure I can attend a school like Northwestern and recognition of the professors who have invested so much into me. I'm thrilled to continue learning, growing and creating and I'm glad to do so with the support of my community at Medill."