Serving advisers and students for over 50 years

journalismSTL
Serving advisers and students for over 50 years

journalismSTL
Serving advisers and students for over 50 years

journalismSTL

Bruce Schneider Memorial Leadership Scholarship

The Bruce Schneider Memorial Leadership Scholarship

The Bruce Schneider Memorial Leadership Scholarship is given to one student to reward and encourage publications editors and school leaders to continue their leadership talents into college. Students do not have to pursue journalism in college to qualify. It is $1,000. 

Who is Bruce Schneider?

Bruce Schneider, long-time St. Louis area Scholastic Journalism Adviser of  both yearbook and newspaper, grew up near Mark Twain’s home in Palmyra, MO, met his wife Karen, while studying Journalism at Mizzou, all laudable sources he would convey to the thousands of Mehlville H.S. and Parkway South H.S. students, where he dedicated his life to making publications actually enjoyable in both production and publishing. When he died in the Spring of 2004 after a long illness, he was eulogized by Post Dispatch, Webster-Kirkwood Times writers and publishers, Parkway Administrators, teachers, and former students.

Bruce also taught more than 20 years of summer ‘camps,’ (15 consecutive years on SMW faculty) and held every officer position for SSP (now jSTL), including president and director of more than four Fall SSP Conferences, and three annual Conferences. He was integral when St. Louis (SSP) hosted NSPA/JEA National Conventions; 1997, 1990 1984, and 1979. He was an MIPA officer and crusaded often for passage of a Missouri Student Expression Bill to benefit all students. He often organized advisers in efforts to amend or rescind the Hazelwood ramifications. With MIPA officers he spearheaded the current Journalism Accreditation programs growing at Mizzou, and Webster Univ. Among his numerous adviser and civic awards, he was named MIPA Teacher of the Year in 2001. 

When Bruce humbly was bestowed hard-earned congratulations, he would respond with his big gracious smile and boisterous laugh, “Oh send that to my mom back in Palmyra, she loves to collect those things.” 

Bruce and ‘college sweetheart,’ as he would refer to Karen, his wife, raised two boys in Webster Groves, MO, where he was elected to the School Board (1994-1998), was a Boy Scout Master, church deacon, and called himself the ’manager’ of his sons’ musical passions. Karen, a well-respected Montessori teacher, and his sons are also in education.

Deadline and Application

Applications are due by noon (12 pm) on Friday, April 4, 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Must be a graduating senior in the Class of 2025.
  2. Must enroll in a college/university beginning the summer or fall semester of 2025-26 school year.
  3. Must be an editor of a newspaper, yearbook web, radio or broadcast media.
  4. Must submit complete application according to directions by noon on Friday, April 4, 2025.
  5. Schools may only enter one application.
  6. The winner will be announced in May.
  7. For any questions email [email protected].
  8. Late applications or incomplete applications will not be considered for the award.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

  1. 250-word maximum essay detailing why your leadership roles and skills qualify you for this scholarship.
  2. 250-word maximum essay detailing financial need that would be relevant to those making the selection.
  3. 250-word essay detailing what your plans are for college in terms of major/minor, etc.
  4. Letter of recommendation from a faculty member (not the adviser) who can testify to your leadership abilities.
  5. 3.0 minimum GPA and proof of leadership.

ENTRY MUST INCLUDE

  1. Completed application
  2. Resume
  3. Essay
  4. Official transcript
  5. Letter of recommendation

TO SUBMIT

  • To submit your application, please send an email with all of the items included as a single PDF. 
  • The subject line of your email should read “Bruce Schneider Memorial Leadership Scholarship – YourLastName
  • In the body of your email please list your name and school and adviser. 
  • Then, please attach a single PDF file of your items. 
  • Email your entry to  [email protected]
  • Deadline is April 4, 2025, at noon

WINNER

  • The winner will be notified in May.
  • The scholarship will be made available to the student on Aug. 1.