The William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship honors the esteemed Texas journalist who coined the phrase “Right to Work” and contributed greatly to the movement’s advancement.

One $2,000 scholarship is awarded annually to the student who exemplifies the dedication to the Right to Work principles and high journalistic standards of the late Mr. Ruggles.

WHO MAY APPLY FOR THE WILLIAM B. RUGGLES JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP?

Individuals seeking to attend or individuals attending a United States institution of higher learning (undergraduate or graduate) who have demonstrated journalistic skills or major in journalism may apply.

(National Institute for Labor Relations Research and The National Right to Work Committee officers, directors, and employees, Selection Review Committee Members, and their families are not eligible.)

OUR JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION, SELECTION, AND AWARD PROCESS:

1. Student submits completed application along with original 500 to 700-word essay, a copy of the most recent transcript or acceptance letter, and a photo.
2. Institute staff choose the top essays and submit them to the Selection Review Committee members. (Any personal identifying information is redacted before submission to the Selection Review Committee.)
3. Selection Review Committee members, who are three or more independent educators and Institute representatives, review essays blind, nominate and rank no more than three essays, and submit them to the Institute’s Board of Directors.
4. The Board receives the nominees, considers the Selection Review Committee and Institute staff’s recommendations, and votes at its annual meeting (typically held in April) to either approve the highest ranked nominee, make a different selection, or decide not to award a scholarship.
5. Institute staff notify and publicly announce the chosen Winner.
6. Institute pays the awarded scholarship directly to the institution of higher learning the award recipient attends.
7. Winner (or the school on the winner’s behalf) submits to the Institute a copy of the official transcript at the end of the academic year.

Scholarship Amount: $2000

Application Deadline: December 31, 2025