By Kari Barber, Chair Education Committee, San Francisco/Northern California Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

This year as the Education Chair, I had the opportunity to head our college scholarship program where student video entries tackled tough topics like a Palestinian protest outside a Tesla factory and a story filmed inside a prison. Our judges were impressed.

The San Francisco/Northern California Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded seven college students $25,000 in scholarships after a competitive judging process. Students from 16 schools applied for these scholarships. Entries were judged in two rounds with at least seven judges of industry professionals rating each applicant. 

It wasn’t just about the video work samples, but judges were also interested in the applicants’ background, their accomplishments, and their goals for the future.

As an educator myself, the opportunity to award students scholarships is such a wonderful experience. While it’s fun to give out the Emmy ® statues to professionals, these are the next generation of professionals in our field, and if this group is any reflection, we are in good hands. 

The students will be honored at The Gold & Silver Circle ceremony on November 23, 2024, at the Basque Cultural Center. Tickets may be purchased on the chapter website emmysf.tv or call the Academy office at 650-341-7786.

We are so grateful to our scholarship donors. If you’d like to help give opportunities to the next group of students, you can donate here https://emmysf.tv/circles/scholarship-donations/. 

If you’re a student thinking of applying next year, we look forward to hearing from you!