The Chicago Headline Club and the Chicago Headline Club Foundation are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the esteemed 2026 Les Brownlee Memorial Scholarship. This annual award grants $5,000 to an exceptional undergraduate journalism student in Illinois and the Chicago area.
The award was established in honor of the late Chicago journalist Les Brownlee, a trailblazing journalist who was the first African American Society of Professional Journalists member and the first Black president of the Chicago Headline Club. His dedication to journalistic excellence and commitment to diversity continue to inspire aspiring journalists to this day.
“The Les Brownlee Scholarship is a prime example of our commitment to support and develop the next generation of journalists,” said Molly McDonough, president of the Chicago Headline Club Foundation. “In a challenging time for journalism, we remain proud and honored to offer this scholarship to help deserving students achieve their academic and professional goals.”
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
- Current undergraduate journalism students enrolled at a Chicago-area or Illinois college or university are eligible to apply.
- Applicants will be evaluated on their academic achievements, previous journalistic experience, work samples, articulated need and a cover letter expressing their passion for journalism.
- The application deadline is April 6, 2026. Click to apply.
- The winner will be announced at the annual Peter Lisagor Awards for Distinguished Journalism banquet on May 8, 2026.
About Les Brownlee
Brownlee’s journalism career began as a reporter for Ebony Magazine, and he later joined the Chicago Defender. In 1950, he was the first Black reporter to join the staff of the Chicago Daily News. Over the years, he also worked for several radio stations, including WBBM-AM, and television stations, including WLS-TV, where in 1975 he won an Emmy Award for editorial writing. He is noted for his sign-off: “Les Brownlee, WLS Eyewitness News.” After he retired from television, Brownlee joined the faculty of Columbia College Chicago, where he taught journalism full-time for more than 20 years and inspired countless students.
About the Chicago Headline Club Foundation
The foundation is an IRS-recognized 501c3 nonprofit devoted to providing education and related services to Chicago-area journalism. Learn more and support the future of journalism.
About the Chicago Headline Club
The Chicago Headline Club is the local professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and membership is half-price for students. Find more info on rates and membership.