World Wildlife Fund Awards their first $10K Environmental Journalism Scholarship to Scripps Howard School Student

January 29, 2025 (HAMPTON, VA) – World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the leading conservation nonprofit organizations, visited Hampton University to award $10K and a yearlong mentorship award to a journalism student in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.

HoneyRose Smith, a second-year journalism major from Oakland, Calif., was selected by WWF as the winner of an essay writing competition discussing their interest in environmental reporting. The new scholarship initiative seeks to amplify diverse, emerging voices to cover environmental and climate stories. The award presentation was made by representatives from WWF’s Communications, Development, and People & Culture departments, Smith received her award during the school’s Student Town Hall held in the Robert P. Scripps Auditorium.

“Congratulations to scholarship award winner HoneyRose Smith, a talented sophomore whose commitment to environmental storytelling aligns with WWF’s mission of creating a world where people and nature live in harmony,” said Loren Mayor, WWF’s Chief Operating Officer. “Supporting the next generation of environmental journalists like HoneyRose Smith is critical as they continue to raise awareness and drive action on the urgent challenges facing our planet. By nurturing emerging voices, we ensure that the stories of people and nature are told with the depth and unique perspectives they deserve.”

Along with a $10,000 monetary award, the scholarship will provide meaningful and practical work experience to launch Smith into the broader field of environmental reporting. She will work closely with WWF advisors from the Communications and People & Culture departments, who will serve as mentors to expand her skills sets.

“The voices of environmental justice in my community are often underheard and overlooked,” said Smith. “Receiving this award will allow me to amplify stories which are essential in preserving hope, fostering change, and illuminating justice within our world.”

“The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications is proud to celebrate HoneyRose Smith as World Wildlife Fund’s scholarship awardee,” said Dean Julia A. Wilson. “In addition to the monetary award, we are enthusiastically looking forward to the hands-on training and relationship-building opportunities she will receive as an aspiring journalist seeking to cover climate and environmental news. We are most grateful for the exciting partnership with WWF.”

Media Contacts:

Carol Crabbe carol.crabbe@hamptonu.edu

Jenna Bonello jenna.bonello@wwfus.org

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About Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

The Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications is committed to preparing its students with a high-quality and well-rounded education for global careers in journalism and strategic communications. SHSJC emphasizes accuracy, balance, fairness, integrity and high ethical standards of excellence through journalism and strategic communications. The Scripps Howard education brand is internationally renowned to promote, support and enable aspiring journalists and mass communications professionals. For More Information visit: https://home.hamptonu.edu/shsjc/.

About World Wildlife Fund

WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working for 60 years in nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the support of 1.3 million members in the United States and more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat the climate crisis. Visit worldwildlife.org [worldwildlife.org] to learn more; follow @WWFNews [twitter.com] on X, formerly known as Twitter, to keep up with the latest conservation news; and sign up for our newsletter and news alerts here [worldwildlife.org].

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