William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship

The submission window for online applications is open annually from September 1 to January 31.  No new applications will be accepted until September 1, 2025.

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 500–700-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.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

The scholarship is awarded based on scholastic ability and a demonstrated interest in the National Institute of Labor Relations Research Institute’s work.

Applicants must:

1. Demonstrate potential for the successful completion of the educational requirements in an accredited college, university, or other qualifying institution.  This includes (a) supplying a copy of your most recent transcript or acceptance letter from the school you are or will attend, and (b) providing proof that you are or will be enrolled in the school’s journalism program or proof of your journalistic skills by actual journalistic works, which can include social media.
2. Demonstrate your writing ability and an understanding of the Right to Work principles and compulsory unionism’s economic and social problems by submitting a 500 – 700-word essay.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The application consists of three parts:

Part 1.  Create a 500 – 700-word essay clearly demonstrating an interest in, and knowledge of, the Right to Work principles and compulsory unionism’s economic and social problems.

Part 2. Obtain a copy of either (a) your acceptance letter or (b) your most recent transcript for submission to the National Institute for Labor Relations Research or have your school send it to the Institute on your behalf.

Part 3. Complete the formal online application below and attach your essay, transcript or acceptance letter, and photo (and any additional documentation) with your online submission.

If you are unable to complete the online application and attach the documentation, you may print the online application and mail it along with your essay, transcript or acceptance letter, and photo to the address below.

Note that if you win, you will be required to submit (or you can have your school send on your behalf) a copy of your official transcript to the National Institute for Labor Relations Research at the end of the academic school year for which the funds are disbursed.