STC is now offering four scholarships (two for undergraduates and two for graduate students) for the 2004-2005 academic year. Each scholarship is worth $1,000, paid directly to the school attended. Once again we are looking for qualified applicants. Please think about whether you or someone you know should apply for a scholarship. As the skills and knowledge needed in the field of technical communication continue to grow, the education of technical communicators becomes more important. For the future of STC and the profession of technical communication, students must be encouraged to develop their abilities and expertise. STC awards scholarships to students who are enrolled full-time in undergraduate or graduate technical communication programs and studying for an academic or commercial career in technical communication.

Technical communication includes graphical and online information presentation as well as written and oral communication. It may include “smart programs” or expert systems development, in which the candidate’s concern is the presentation of information rather than computer programming. It does not include ordinary journalism, general broadcasting, or fine arts.

Applicants need not be STC members or American citizens. They must be enrolled in a full-time technical communication program and have completed one year of postsecondary education before fall 2003. Students completing an undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for their first year of graduate school. Students will be evaluated on their potential for contributing to the technical communication profession, their accomplishments as technical communicators, their academic record, the content of their application letters, and recommendations of faculty members. Individual financial need is considered when applicants are judged comparable in the preceding areas.

Usually, students are granted only one year of the scholarship, but those who have received the scholarship in the past are not disqualified from applying again. The scholarship may be used for tuition or other expenses that the school will pay.

To apply, students must submit a completed application package, including a description of their accomplishments and goals. The package must be received by February 16, 2004.

Students can obtain application information from their department chairs, the STC Web site (www.stc.org), or the STC office.