Ocean State Media Scholarship

Applications are due April 13, 2026

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Ocean State Media Scholarship
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Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. (EST) on April 13, 2026

The scholarship offers awards to residents of Ocean State Media’s demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of broadcasting, communications, and/or journalism.

2025 Winner:
Scarlett Biancuzzo of Barrington

Eagle News Network anchor Scarlett Biancuzzo interviews Barrington High School Principal Christopher Ashley on the set of the school’s streaming news program earlier this year. The 2025 graduate received this year’s Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio’s scholarship worth up to $60,000 over the next four years. The scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors in the stations’ broadcast area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of broadcasting, communications or journalism.
Eagle News Network anchor Scarlett Biancuzzo interviews Barrington High School Principal Christopher Ashley on the set of the school’s streaming news program earlier this year. The 2025 graduate received this year’s Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio’s scholarship worth up to $60,000 over the next four years. The scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors in the stations’ broadcast area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of broadcasting, communications or journalism.
Submitted photo

The Barrington High School Class of 2025 graduate was selected from 38 applicants from the station’s broadcast area in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. She plans to major in journalism and political science at the University of Missouri.

“Receiving this award is validation that the perseverance I have put forth over the past four years has paid off. The generous PBS scholarship will, no doubt, significantly decrease the financial burden of college while simultaneously allowing me to focus on my ultimate goal of becoming a broadcast journalist,” said Biancuzzo.

Although a resident of Bristol, she attended Barrington High in order to explore her interest in journalism through its Career and Technical Education program in Television Production.

“Television production is deeply rooted in journalism, specifically broadcast journalism. I learned how to pose questions that encourage meaningful responses and provide opportunities for others to tell their stories in their own voice,” she said.

“My interest in journalism was supported by my parents and Eagle News Network advisor, Mr. West. They have all helped me continue to follow my dreams and I would not have made it without them! In particular, my advisor has presented me with endless opportunities that have helped me grow in the broadcasting field,” she explained.

SCHOLARSHIP INFO

Selection criteria:

  • Completion of the Universal Application, which may include essays, transcripts, a résumé worksheet, letter of recommendation from a teacher or professional who can attest to the applicant’s merit in pursuing a successful career in journalism and/or media, a work sample – such as writing, video, audio, photography, or another creative example, and other supporting documents.
  • Resident of Rhode Island or Bristol County, Massachusetts
  • A graduating high school senior planning to attend an accredited 4-year post-secondary school, or a student currently enrolled in an accredited 4-year post-secondary institution
  • Demonstration of financial need and how this scholarship will make a meaningful difference in their educational plans
  • Exhibit merit toward a successful career in journalism and/or media
  • Current employees of Ocean State Media, their children, and other immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
  • Award: up to $15,000; past recipients are eligible to reapply
Past Scholarship Recipients

Michael Black describes lunging at the gunman inside Pawtucket’s Dennis M. Lynch Arena, helping jam the weapon and subdue the shooter as other bystanders rushed in — actions police say “undoubtedly prevented further injury” in a tragedy that left three dead and three critically wounded
At Trinity Repertory Company, two women at life’s crossroads — played by Kortney Adams and Jackie Davis — discover connection, identity and unexpected spark in a sharply observed two-hander directed by Curt Columbus
Heavy metal on bagpipes, art as activism and hip-hop strings? Yes, please.
Three decades after being elected to Congress, Rhode Island’s senior U.S. senator is running again, in part to oppose President Trump
With a March 17 deadline looming, officials say the town cannot absorb what amounts to nearly 10% of its annual budget
Gunfire at a Pawtucket high school hockey game forces a painful reckoning about violence, division and responsibility