January 29, 2025 (HAMPTON, VA) - World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the leading conservation nonprofit organizations, will visit Hampton University today to award $10K and a yearlong mentorship award to a journalism student in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.
HoneyRose Smith, a second-year journalism major from Oakland, Calif., was selected by WWF as the winner of an essay writing competition discussing their interest in environmental reporting. The new scholarship initiative seeks to amplify diverse, emerging voices to cover environmental and climate stories. The award presentation will be made by representatives from WWF's Communications, Development, and People & Culture departments, Smith will receive her award during the school's Student Town Hall held in the Robert P. Scripps Auditorium.
"Congratulations to scholarship award winner HoneyRose Smith, a talented sophomore whose commitment to environmental storytelling aligns with WWF's mission of creating a world where people and nature live in harmony," said Loren Mayor, WWF's Chief Operating Officer. "Supporting the next generation of environmental journalists like HoneyRose Smith is critical as they continue to raise awareness and drive action on the urgent challenges facing our planet. By nurturing emerging voices, we ensure that the stories of people and nature are told with the depth and unique perspectives they deserve."
Along with a $10,000 monetary award, the scholarship will provide meaningful and practical work experience to launch Smith into the broader field of environmental reporting. She will work closely with WWF advisors from the Communications and People & Culture departments, who will serve as mentors to expand her skills sets.
"The voices of environmental justice in my community are often underheard and overlooked," said Smith. "Receiving this award will allow me to amplify stories which are essential in preserving hope, fostering change, and illuminating justice within our world."
"The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications is proud to celebrate HoneyRose Smith as World Wildlife Fund's scholarship awardee," said Dean Julia A. Wilson. "In addition to the monetary award, we are enthusiastically looking forward to the hands-on training and relationship-building opportunities she will receive as an aspiring journalist seeking to cover climate and environmental news. We are most grateful for the exciting partnership with WWF and look forward to seeing them in Hampton."
