Student Competitions

Two people stand holding an award

Enter your work into competitions to gain recognition, enhance your resume and attract potential employers. Competitions push you to strive for excellence and provide invaluable feedback from seasoned faculty and professionals to support your professional growth – and many provide scholarships or financial awards. 
The exposure and recognition from these events can open doors to networking opportunities, mentorships and collaborations, building a robust professional network early in your career.

College Competitions

Perry Photojournalism Challenge

The Perry Photojournalism Challenge celebrates the best in student photojournalism, encouraging participants to capture compelling visual stories. This competition, open to all students within the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, awards top photographers with prestigious accolades and cash prizes.

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BL Design Diversity Challenge

The Bailey Lauerman Design Competition challenges students to showcase their creativity and design skills in producing compelling visual communication. Top designers are awarded the chance to display their work in Andersen Hall and a scholarship for their excellence.

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Bailey Lauerman Design Diversity winning design 2022

Roper Sports Writing Competition

The Lynn and Dana Roper Sports Writing Competition honors exceptional sports journalism by students, recognizing outstanding storytelling and its impact. Established in 2001, this contest awards generous cash prizes to top entries.

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Lexi Rodriguez and her teammate running through the tunnle at memorial stadium on Volleyball Day 2023

Study Abroad Scholarship Competition

The Study Abroad Scholarship Competition tests students' ability to make a compelling case for the benefits of international experience. The contest awards the winner funding to support their travel abroad. 

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Have Questions about College Competitions? We're Here to Help. 

For questions about college competitions, contact the Chair of the CoJMC Scholarship Committee.

 

Local, Regional and National Competitions

National

American Advertising Federation

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) is a national organization that promotes and protects the interests of the advertising industry through advocacy, education and networking opportunities for professionals.

National

American Marketing Association

The American Marketing Association (AMA) is a professional association for marketers that provides resources, education and networking opportunities to advance the practice and understanding of marketing.

Prism Awards

National

Broadcast Education Association

The Broadcast Education Association (BEA) is a professional organization that promotes excellence in media education and research, providing resources, conferences, and networking opportunities for educators, students and professionals in the broadcasting industry.

National

College Media Association

The College Media Association (CMA) is a professional organization that supports student media advisers and their programs by providing resources, education and networking opportunities to enhance the quality and sustainability of collegiate media.

National

College Photographer of the Year

The College Photographer of the Year (CPOY) competition is a prestigious national contest that honors excellence in collegiate photojournalism. It recognizes standout work in categories such as spot news, general news, sports photography, portraiture, and multimedia storytelling. CPOY provides emerging photographers a platform to showcase their talents across a range of photojournalistic disciplines.

College Photographer of the Year

National

Hearst Journalism Awards

The Hearst Journalism Awards are prestigious competitions that recognize excellence in journalism among college students, offering scholarships and awards for outstanding work in categories such as writing, photojournalism, audio, television and multimedia.

Hearst Journalism Awards

Regional

Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association

The Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association (MBJA) is a professional organization that supports broadcast journalists in the Midwest by providing resources, training and networking opportunities to enhance the quality of broadcast journalism in the region.

Eric Sevareid Awards

National

National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the television industry, known for awarding the Emmy Awards for excellence in television programming.

National Student Production Awards

National

Public Relations Society of America

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is a professional organization that advances the field of public relations by providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities for PR professionals to enhance their careers and uphold ethical standards in the industry.

Regional

Nebraska Broadcasters Association

The Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA) is a professional organization that represents and supports broadcasters in Nebraska, providing advocacy, education and resources to promote the interests and advancement of the broadcasting industry in the state.

Pinnacle Awards

Local

Nebraska Alumni Association

The Nebraska Alumni Association is an organization that connects and supports alumni of the University of Nebraska, fostering engagement through events, programs and services that promote the university's mission and strengthen the alumni network.

Student Awards

National

Radio Television Digital News Association

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting and protecting responsible journalism, providing resources, advocacy and training for news professionals in radio, television and digital media.

Edward R. Murrow Awards

National

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Awards

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing human rights and social justice worldwide through advocacy, litigation and education, inspired by the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy.

Book and Journalism Awards

National

Society of Professional Journalists

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is a professional organization that promotes and protects the freedom of the press and high standards of ethical journalism, providing resources, education and advocacy for journalists.

Mark of Excellence Awards

National

The Webby Awards

The Webby Awards are prestigious international awards that honor excellence on the Internet, including websites, online video, advertising, media and mobile content.

The Webby Awards

Local

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is a public research university known for its comprehensive academic programs, research initiatives and commitment to fostering student success and community engagement.

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications enters student work into local, regional and national competitions. Entry decisions are made by the CoJMC competitions committee. Submit your work below for the committee's consideration. 

Submit your Work

Have Questions about Local, Regional or National Competitions? We're Here to Help. 

For questions, contact the co-chairs of the CoJMC competitions committee.