Lookout’s journalism scholarship is created for Santa Cruz County high school students to apply for. The top three winners will receive $500 each, while the top 10 will be published on our site. 

The applications for 2024 are now CLOSED. Check back in the Fall when the applications open again.

Any high school student can participate in this program individually, or it can be assigned as a class project. If you are a teacher and want your class to participate next year, please reach out to Jamie Garfield, jamie@lookoutlocal.com

Showcase your writing skills and uncover the unsung heroes in your community. Apply today and take the first step towards a scholarship and a brighter future!

We are proud to offer Lookout’s journalism challenge for high school students in Santa Cruz County. Inspired by our popular “Unsung Santa Cruz” series, this challenge invites students to write a profile of a local unsung hero who is making a positive difference in the community.

Our editing team will read and review all entries. The top 10 stories will be published on Lookout and the authors of the top three stories will each receive a $500 scholarship for an educational purchase. This could be money towards a computer, text books, an online course, software, college applications, college visits, etc and you must share what you would plan to spend the money on in your application.

Eligibility requirements: All high school students in Santa Cruz County are invited to apply.

Entry requirements: 

  • Your story should be a profile of someone who is not well known but is making a positive difference in the community.
  • You must complete at least 1 interview, preferably 2; One with the person highlighted and one with a person who talks about them. 
  • Your story should be 500-900 words, including at least two quotes that you got from your interviews
  • You must include two supporting photos, at least one being horizontal. 

How to Apply: After writing your story with the requirements aboveSimply fill out this Google form with your information, including grade level and school, and submit your story.

Deadline: Closed, check back in the Fall


UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, and Santa Cruz County high school students get FREE access to Lookout Santa Cruz.

  • UC Santa Cruz students: Sign up here, enter your .edu email address to complete your registration.
  • Cabrillo College students: Sign up here.
  • Santa Cruz County High School students: Sign up here.

2024 Journalism Scholarship Finalists