Collegiate Member Benefits

We are proud that nearly every college media outlet in the state participates in SCPA! Find out why you should join SCPA!

Why join?

South Carolina Press Association's Collegiate Division is the only organization in the state dedicated to serving the needs of college media journalists. Active membership in SCPA provides advisers and students with many valuable benefits, including educational opportunities, newspaper internships and the annual statewide collegiate contest. Membership includes you in a network of other newspaper advisers and student staffs who may serve as valuable resources for problem solving and information. Collegiate Division membership also puts your campus in touch with resources, experience and advice represented by the professionals working at the state’s professional newspapers.

Collegiate Contest & Awards

SCPA holds an annual contest to recognize excellence in journalism and advertising. Students are recognized with awards in writing, editing, design, photography and other competitions. The 2023 Collegiate Contest will start accepting entries in early October 2023. The deadline to enter will be Dec. 1, 2023.

Training

SCPA hosts several training events each year. Collegiate members can attend these events at discounted rates. Past workshop topics have included: data journalism, digital marketing, ad sales, social media, design, writing and reporting, copy editing, covering local government, libel and how to use the Freedom of Information Act. SCPA will also help arrange on-site training upon request.

Press Credentials

Collegiate members may order hard plastic photo PRESS ID cards. SCPA press cards are recognized by state police and emergency officials, and may be used for admission to the S.C. Legislative press area. Orders must be requested by the collegiate member newspaper adviser.

Visiting Professionals

Free consultations with experienced professional journalists may be arranged to handle training, concerns or questions.

Resume/Job Bank

Collegiate members are encouraged to use SCPA’s website to view current job openings in the newspaper industry. By joining SCPA, you will also have the opportunity to meet and network with member newspaper publishers, editors, advertising directors and staff.

Internships & Scholarships

The SCPA Foundation offers 8-week $4,000 summer internships that offer students an opportunity to gain practical experience at one of the state’s newspapers. The Foundation’s $1,000 Mundy Scholarship is awarded annually to a South Carolina journalism student. Applications are now available.

FOI/Legal Hotline

The FOI/Legal Hotline is a free service to collegiate members that provides members with prompt, free advice and answers to legal and FOI questions. Consultation is available in areas including: open records and meetings, access to courts, law enforcement procedures, shield law, invasion of privacy, copyright law, advertising regulations, ethics and libel/defamation.

Communications

Our bi-weekly collegiate newsletter, the lede, and our overall eBulletin keep SCPA members informed. We’re also active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Collegiate Dues:

Collegiate membership dues are based on your college’s undergraduate enrollment. Diane, our accounting manager, will be in touch with advisers in Sept. of each academic year with an invoice based on your school’s undergrad enrollment. Dues must be paid before you can order Press IDs, use our services and participate in activities. Review or initiate your membership by selecting your school’s undergraduate enrollment to determine your current dues.

Collegiate Member Benefits