Rhode Island Student Wins $60K Journalism Scholarship

A Rhode Island high school senior who spent four years honing her journalism skills just won a scholarship that could cover most of her college education.

Scarlett Biancuzzo from the Barrington High School Class of 2025 received Ocean State Media's journalism scholarship, worth up to $60,000 over four years. She beat out 38 other applicants from Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts for the award that recognizes students pursuing careers in broadcasting, communications, or journalism.

Biancuzzo plans to major in journalism and political science at the University of Missouri. Though she lives in Bristol, she attended Barrington High specifically to access its Career and Technical Education program in Television Production, where she anchored the school's Eagle News Network.

"Receiving this award is validation that the perseverance I have put forth over the past four years has paid off," Biancuzzo said. She credits her parents and Eagle News Network advisor Mr. West for helping her follow her dreams.

Through the television production program, Biancuzzo learned skills that go beyond the camera. "I learned how to pose questions that encourage meaningful responses and provide opportunities for others to tell their stories in their own voice," she explained.

The scholarship represents a major financial relief for students passionate about journalism. Biancuzzo said it will "significantly decrease the financial burden of college while simultaneously allowing me to focus on my ultimate goal of becoming a broadcast journalist."

The Ripple Effect

Ocean State Media has been investing in young journalism talent for years, with eight scholarship recipients since 2018. The program helps ensure the next generation of storytellers has the support they need to pursue their calling, regardless of their financial situation.

Applications for the 2026 scholarship are now open to graduating high school seniors and current college students in Rhode Island and Bristol County, Massachusetts. The deadline is April 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Applicants need to submit essays, transcripts, a resume, a recommendation letter, and creative work samples showing their potential in journalism. The scholarship awards up to $15,000 annually and prioritizes students who demonstrate both financial need and genuine merit in pursuing media careers.

For students like Biancuzzo who dream of giving others a voice through journalism, this scholarship opens doors that might otherwise stay closed.

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