Mississippi Press Foundation

The Mississippi Press Foundation was established in 1983 to foster journalism education at in-state colleges and universities, as well as provide internships and scholarships for Mississippi journalism students. In 2025 its mission is expanding to provide new resources with a goal of strengthening local journalism throughout Mississippi. Click below to make a tax-deductible contribution to help support our program of work.

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Next Generation Journalism

In 2025, the Mississippi Press Foundation is launching its Next Generation Journalism initiative to help strengthen reporting in underserved communities of Mississippi. The program mission is to recruit journalists to markets in need, offering student debt forgiveness in exchange for a commitment to work in the community for a defined period of time. MPF also seeks to provide stipends to the host newsroom for the same period.

Fundraising efforts are underway for a targeted 2026 launch. To learn more about the initiative or to pledge support, contact Layne Bruce with MPF, 601-981-3060, ext. 4. MPF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations to the effort are tax-deductible.

THE MPF PROGRAM OF WORK

Internships

We provide stipends in the amount of $150 weekly for up to 10 weeks to approved newrooms for the employment of interns in 15 communities each summer. Newsrooms agree to employ interns at a living wage, while the stipend helps offset tuition or housing costs. Newspaper application deadlines fall on May 1 each year. Interested students may fill out a candidate profile to return to MPF by mid-April each year.

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Scholarship Opportunities

MPF funds two scholarships for students enrolled at Mississippi universities or colleges pursuing a degree in journalism, communications or related field. The scholarships are worth $1,000 per …

Overby Adviser Institute

Held annually for high school journalism teachers, the Institute is underwritten by the Charles and Andrea Overby Journalism Fund. The camp is administered by the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association on the campus of the University of Mississippi at Oxford.

Silent Auction

Held in conjunction with MPA’s annual summer meeting, this fun and anticipated event offers donated items for auction by written bid. Proceeds are used to fund MPF's scholarship program and other projects in support of journalism education in Mississippi.

A-Mark Foundation Prize

A-Mark Prize for Freedom of Information Reporting To recognize excellence in FOI reporting by Mississippi journalists. Funded by Download Rules & Contest Info FIRST …

Celebrity Roast

Held annually, it’s an evening of laughter and entertainment as a noted Mississippian is “roasted” by peers, family and friends. Past honorees have included Mississippi Sen. Trent Lott, Gov. Haley Barbour, former journalist Sid Salter, and the late retired Congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery. Proceeds are used for internships and other projects in support of journalism education in Mississippi.

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The Bill Minor Prize

In 2003, donors established the Bill Minor Journalism Prize to honor the late Mr. Minor’s long career. Recipients of the General News and Investigative Reporting prizes are selected from the …

O.C. McDavid Journalism Summit

Underwritten by a generous contribution from the family of longtime journalist and craftsman O.C. McDavid in his memory, the conference is held each spring to engage college students in a learning experience emphasizing journalism and coverage of lifestyles and the arts.

Internships

Scholarship Opportunities

Overby Adviser Institute

Silent Auction

A-Mark Foundation Prize

Celebrity Roast

The Bill Minor Prize

O.C. McDavid Journalism Summit

Student Media Awards

CFINR Objectivity & Integrity Prize

Earn Your Press Pass

Online Media Campus