NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES
Suncoast Chapter
Scholarship Press Release
Scholarship applications open January 26, 2026
Application deadline: March 2, 2026
The NATAS Suncoast Chapter Kicks Off the 2026 Student Scholarship Awards
Pembroke Pines, FL (January 26, 2026) - To kick off its 50th Anniversary, the NATAS Suncoast Chapter announces that the 2026 Student Scholarship Awards application period is now open. Scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 school year opened on January 26, 2026 and will close on March 2, 2026.
The Suncoast Chapter offers scholarships annually 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. In order 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.
Every year, the NATAS Suncoast Chapter is dedicated to advancing the education of innovative, high-achieving, and deserving students. Through this scholarship, we provide meaningful resources and support to help develop the next generation of media and journalism professionals.
Former Suncoast Chapter Executive Director, Bob Behrens, was dedicated to fostering excellence in journalism through philanthropic efforts. His vision, prior to his passing, was to contribute to the education of innovative, high-achieving students pursuing a career in communications and broadcasting. Part of the mission of the Suncoast Chapter is to provide resources and support for the next generation of professionals in our industry and we are pleased to be able to honor Bob and carry on his legacy.
Since 2012, our chapter has awarded over $775,000 in scholarship funds. In 2025, the Suncoast Chapter awarded scholarship funds to 10 students totaling $34,500, including Andrea Fonseca, from the University of Florida, who received the Bob Behrens Scholarship, a special award given to a student who embodies enterprising journalism and innovation in the industry.