Investintech - CAJ Journalism Scholarship

As developers of PDF converter, creator and editor solutions, we know what an important role data has to play in our everyday lives and especially in the news. Now more than ever, factual data analysis is crucial to the integrity of investigative reporting, and learning to do so accurately is essential. That’s why we’re getting involved right where it matters most when it comes to the future of the journalism industry — the students.

Our aim for this scholarship is to support and encourage journalism students by helping them with the costs of their education, which can often be a hindrance to their career. Not only that, but we intend for this scholarship to serve as a way to help prepare students for a career path as a journalist by getting them to think about the industry and its ever-increasing emphasis on data.

That said, this scholarship will go to one Canadian student who shows an interest and understanding of data journalism tools and techniques before they even enter the newsroom professionally. We want to get Canadian and journalism students, like you, to really think about the data you use in your stories.

To ensure this scholarship falls in line with professional and journalistic guidelines, we’ve partnered with the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ). The CAJ is a notable journalism organization that provides Canadian journalists with support, mentorship, community, and resources across the country.

Take the opportunity to start realizing your potential as a data journalist.

Apply today!

The Investintech - CAJ Data Journalism Scholarship is open to all students with proven journalism skills and an interest in data journalism. Eligible students must meet the following requirements:

• Pursuing a course of studies or program leading to a diploma, undergraduate or graduate degree.
• Show evidence of their journalism skills and interest, such as having a published news story, or be working for a college publication, etc.
• Currently accepted to or enrolled in a college or university in Canada.

We will review all entries according to the criteria below:

• Follow all submission rules and complete full details
• Submissions must be in English or in French
• Minimum word count for written parts of the submission: 500
• Previously published material can be submitted
• Creativity and style; coherence and readability
• Effective use of data, visualizations, and/or medium being used
• Strength of the topic and the applicant's work

All submissions will be passed by a small committee made up of experienced journalists. Investintech.com will work in collaboration with the CAJ to create a jury that includes judges with extensive experience and multiple credentials at notable and authoritative media outlets. The official selection committee that will determine the winning submission will include one Investintech.com representative and one CAJ member to provide input during the selection process.

Each jury member will be carefully selected, reviewed, and recommended by the CAJ. Journalists will be chosen based on their background, experience, and area of expertise. At least one of these members will be fluent in French to help evaluate submissions that are in French. The jury will review all submissions and narrow down the results to just one winning submission.

The selection jury for the 2024 - 2025 academic year:

• Chad Skelton
• David McKie
• Valérie Ouellet

To learn more about the credentials and journalism experience of the selection jury members, please visit the Data Journalist Scholarship Selection Jury page.

Submit your entry along with the following details:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Educational Institute (college or university)
• Program/Degree
• Your journalism experience: internships, school newspapers, relevant positions, blogs, etc.
• A short 100 - 200 word bio, profile picture, and 1-2 professional or social links

Submit Your Application

For any questions on the process please email scholarships@investintech.com.

*NOTE: It is at the sole discretion of the CAJ whether or not to provide or determine a suitable substitution prize if necessary.