This year, the Suncoast Chapter awarded Andrea Fonseca the Bob Behrens Scholarship, a special award given to a student who embodies enterprising journalism and innovation in the industry. Andrea’s accomplishments, passion for advocacy, and willingness to help others, have earned her respect among her peers. Her professors characterize her as intelligent and inquisitive and her impressive work ethic both inside and beyond the classroom positions her among a select few.

The Suncoast Chapter is pleased to honor the legacy and carry on the mission of former Suncoast Chapter Executive Director, Bob Behrens, who was dedicated to fostering excellence in journalism through philanthropic efforts.

Notably, prior to his death, Bob Behrens was committed to assisting students. It was his vision for the Chapter to award scholarships to deserving students of communication and/ or broadcasting in the Suncoast region each year. In continuing his legacy, the Suncoast Chapter offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors and to college and university students who reside within the Suncoast Region, which includes the State of Florida, the State of Louisiana, the Mobile–Pensacola Market area, and Puerto Rico.

To be eligible, students must plan to attend or currently attend a four-year college or university in the Suncoast Region and must have a declared major in Communications/Broadcasting with a concentration in television.

Since 2014, our chapter has awarded over Seven hundred fifty thousand dollars in scholarship funds.