The Landmark Scholars Program combines scholarship and internship awards designed to encourage young minority journalists to build careers with Landmark Publishing Group. Landmark Scholars receive $10,000 in college scholarships and valuable professional experience working in the newsroom of one of Landmark’s major newspapers in Virginia or North Carolina.

Recipients enjoy paid internships for two summers during college and for one year following graduation.

Upon successful completion of the internship, the Landmark Scholar will be poised to continue a professional career at Landmark or one of the nation's other premiere publishing companies. College students enrolled in a full-time course of study in a 4-year degree program may apply during their sophomore years.

If selected as a Landmark Scholar, the student will work as a paid intern at a Landmark publication for each remaining summer break and will also receive a scholarship check for $5,000 upon completion of each summer internship.

Entry Requirements for Applicants

• Be a U.S. Citizen or a registered permanent resident.
• Have a goal of becoming a print journalism professional.
• Have ties to the Mid-Atlantic/Southern region (NC, VA, MD, DC, DE, SC).
• Be a member of a minority group - Asian, Hispanic, African-American, Native American.
• File a completed application and essay, provide work samples, and forward 3 letters of recommendation from professional colleagues or professors.
• Be enrolled in a full-time course of study (at least 12 credit hours per semester) in a 4-year degree program.
• Provide a copy of college transcript showing a GPA of 2.5 or better.
• Have a personal vehicle for necessary on-the-job transportation during the workday.
• Compete on the basis of grades, work samples, financial needs, recommendations, and targeted selection interview skills.
• Be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening as required for all Landmark employees.

Program Sequence

• Intern will be assigned to one newspaper for all stages upon being named a Landmark Scholar.
• Stage 1: At the end of the sophomore year, a 12- week newsroom general assignment internship, followed by a performance evaluation.
• Stage 2: At the end of the junior year, a 12-week newsroom general assignment internship, followed by a performance evaluation
• Stage 3: After graduation, a minimum one-year newsroom position, followed by an evaluation.

Responsibilities of Intern:

• Responsible for own workday transportation and housing.
• Submit copies of transcripts at end of junior and senior years.
• Perform newsroom assignments during summer internships.
• Complete a program evaluation form after each stage.
• Report any concerns to the assigning editor first and then, if no solution is reached, to the managing editor.
• If requested, assist in recruitment of future Landmark Scholars.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain a 2.5 grade point average throughout college.
• Adhere to standards and ethics of professional journalism. Uphold a positive public image as a Landmark Scholar.
• Be punctual and have good attendance.
• Comply with Landmark’s general employment policies during internships.
• Meet newsroom productivity, accuracy, and editorial standards.
• Participate in available training, workshops, and seminars.

Scholarship Award

• Scholarship checks are for college tuition and will be payable to the college and the intern.
• A check for $5,000 made payable jointly to the student and his or her college or university will be available after completion of each summer of the internships.

How to apply: Download the application, and mail it to Carole Tarrant, managing editor, The Roanoke Times P.O. Box 2491 Roanoke, Va. 24010.

Questions? Contact managing editor Carole Tarrant at carole.tarrant@roanoke.com

Deadline December 15