ASJA will offer 12 scholarships or more to the 2026 virtual annual conference, “Freelancers’ Blueprint: Navigating a Shifting Landscape,” April 20-22, including two for members of the organization and the rest for nonmembers.
Offering scholarships is one way that ASJA supports diversity, equity, access, and inclusion, ensuring that all writers—including those from marginalized groups—have the opportunity to benefit from the organization’s invaluable workshops and supportive professional networking.
Scholarships cover the entire fee for the conference, which includes a dozen 50-minute sessions each across three tracks: journalism, nonfiction books and content writing. Three dynamic keynote speakers will inspire attendees, each focusing on a different track on separate days of the conference.
Scholarships are “Career-Changing Opportunities”
Writers who receive scholarships to the 2026 conference will join past recipients who have gone on to become ASJA members and taken key leadership roles. They join an active, collegial community of nonfiction writers working in a wide variety of fields.
“These scholarships aren’t just about attending a conference—they’re career-changing opportunities,” said Olga Lucia Torres, a former conference scholarship recipient who subsequently became an ASJA member, served on the board, and is currently the scholarship selection committee chair.
“The attendees leave the conferences having gained knowledge, networking opportunities, and connections, while generating actionable ideas and inspiration,” Torres said. “I started my ASJA membership application on the last day of my first conference.”
Beyond the sessions, scholarship recipients gain access to a community of established writers who become mentors, collaborators, and supporters of their work. This network is invaluable for writers building sustainable careers.
The scholarship does not include Client Connections, a signature ASJA networking opportunity that puts writers who are ASJA members at the professional member level directly in conversation with top editors and agents looking for freelance writers.
How to Apply for 2026 Conference Scholarships
Conference scholarship applications open on Dec. 15 and can be accessed here. In the application form, candidates will be asked to write the committee about themselves, their identities, and how their lived experiences support access and belonging in 150 words or less. They are also asked to describe the topics they are passionate about, how attending the conference will help their writing careers, and to provide a brief biography.
Finally, applicants are asked to share three published works, whether they are written, audio, or visual projects.
Important Conference Scholarship Dates
- Dec. 15, 2025: Applications open
- Feb. 20, 2026: Application deadline
- March 20, 2026: Recipients notified
- April 20-24, 2026: Virtual conference
- May 24, 2026: Blog post or testimonial due
As part of their scholarships, recipients are asked to create: a post for the ASJA Confidential blog; social media video or other content; brief testimonial summarizing a conference session or workshop; or profile of a conference speaker. Conference-related content will be coordinated through ASJA’s scholarship and publications committees and is due by May 24.
2026 Conference Registration
The members-only extra early bird registration rate of $199 runs through Monday, Dec. 15. Registration for nonmembers opens Tuesday, Dec. 16. Get more information about conference keynote speakers, sessions on journalism, nonfiction books, and content marketing writing, as well as complete details about registration fees and dates here.
For questions about the ASJA 2026 conference scholarship, please contact the organization at asjaoffice@asja.org.