Invest in Your Success: Scholarships for Technical Communication at UNT | Technical Communication
November 16, 2023

Invest in Your Success: Scholarships for Technical Communication at UNT

By Leanna Lane Ferguson

Introduction

As many students in our undergraduate and graduate programs pursue their education in Technical Communication at the University of North Texas (UNT), there are many opportunities for financial relief and recognition to encourage their academic success.

Why Technical Communication Scholarships at UNT?

Securing a technical communication scholarship at UNT may be more attainable than you realize. UNT is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment, and several factors contribute to the accessibility of these scholarships.

TECM scholarships offer a unique avenue to enhance your educational experience and invest in your future. Not only does taking advantage of these scholarship opportunities alleviate the financial burden associated with pursuing an education, but it provides access to many benefits:

Financial Relief

Scholarships help mitigate the rising costs of education. This makes education more accessible to a wider range of students. They can be applied to tuition, books, or living expenses, ultimately reducing the financial stress that can slow down your academic progress.

Merit Recognition

Earning a scholarship is a testament to your dedication and achievements. It's an acknowledgement of your hard work and potential in the field of technical communication, giving you the confidence and recognition you need to excel.

Focus on Learning

With financial concerns alleviated, you can direct your energy toward your studies. This allows you to engage more deeply with your coursework and dedicate additional time to projects and research, which will enhance your overall education experience.

Networking Opportunities

Scholarships often come with opportunities to engage with donors, faculty members, and fellow students. These connections can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential career prospects.

Career Advancement

In the field of technical communication, a scholarship can be your steppingstone to a successful career. Employers may view scholarship recipients favorably, seeing them as dedicated, driven, and committed future employees.

Scholarship Options

UNT offers a variety of scholarships to support talented and dedicated students. Specifically in TECM, these scholarships are designed to recognize and reward exceptional majors who are committed to learning and building an educational foundation for a successful future. The following is an overview of the TECM available scholarships:

  1. The Big Design Scholarship for UX Design
    1. Eligibility: Open to full-time graduate and undergraduate students with a declared major in Professional and Technical Communication.
    2. Value: $1000
    3. Requirements: Submit a summary of a specific project plan with a statement from a member of the TECM faculty that is willing to work on the project.
  2. Neil and Rebecca Cobb Scholarship
    1. Eligibility: Open to full-time undergraduate students with a declared major in Professional and Technical Communication.
    2. Value: $1000
    3. Requirements: Submit an essay about what skills you intend to develop as a technical communicator, why you want to develop those skills, and how those skills will enable you to pursue your career goal.
  3. Technical Communication General Scholarship
    1. Eligibility: Open to full-time graduate students in any of the degree-granting programs in the Department of Technical Communication. Must have completed a minimum of 9 hours in graduate technical communication courses.
    2. Value: $1000
    3. Requirements: Submit one portfolio piece (no group projects) and a short memo providing context for the piece explaining the choices you made and assignment parameters.
  4. Chair's Scholarship in Technical Communication
    1. Eligibility: Open to full-time graduate students in any of the degree-granting programs in the Department of Technical Communication. Must have completed a minimum of 9 hours in graduate technical communication courses.
    2. Value: $1000
    3. Requirements: Submit one portfolio piece (no group projects) and a short memo providing context for the piece explaining the choices you made and assignment parameters.

How to Apply

Applying for these scholarships is a straightforward process with an opportunity to showcase your skills and passion for the field. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

  1. Visit the UNT Technical Communication Department's scholarship page for detailed information on each scholarship.
  2. Review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to determine which ones you qualify for.
  3. Prepare the necessary documents, including essays, portfolio pieces, and proposals.
  4. Pay close attention to the application deadlines. For the Department of Technical Communication, all scholarships are due March 1st, 2024.
  5. Craft a compelling scholarship application that highlights your passion for the field and your qualifications.
Tips for Scholarship Applications

Crafting a captivating scholarship application may be intimidating, but in fact, it's a chance to let your unique qualities shine. First and foremost, start early. Initiating the process well in advance of the deadline gives a good amount of time to review materials, seek recommendations, and make any necessary revisions. Furthermore, it is essential to read the requirements carefully. Make sure to thoroughly read and understand the application guidelines. Following instructions to the letter demonstrates your attention to detail, which is a crucial skill in technical communication. To stay organized, create a checklist to ensure you've gathered all necessary materials and verified deadlines.

Highlighting your passion for technical communication is an important part of your application because it shows your genuine commitment to effectively conveying complex information to various audiences. By expressing enthusiasm for the field and sharing unique experiences or presenting your portfolio, you engage in self-reflection while at the same time celebrating your personal and academic growth--all while increasing your chances of being awarded with a scholarship.

Lastly, it is important to tailor your essays to each specific scholarship. From the Princeton Review, there are a few steps for writing a scholarship essay:

  1. Start the essay writing process early.
  2. Address the scholarship's goals, values, and mission.
  3. Follow the essay instructions.
  4. Present the positive outcome.
  5. Be personable.
  6. Seek out writing feedback.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your scholarship essays are tailored to each opportunity, effectively conveying your suitability for the scholarship and increasing your chances of being awarded the financial support you seek.

The Opportunity Is Yours

A degree in technical communication opens doors to a world of possibilities in a tech-driven society. By pursuing one of our available scholarships, you can ease the financial burden and feel accomplished in your future. We encourage all interested students to explore these opportunities to solidify a steppingstone toward your dream career.

Interested in learning more about the TECM Department at UNT and our scholarship opportunities? Please visit our scholarship page. For any questions or further clarifications regarding financial aid eligibility, FAFSA application, and other requirements please visit the general Student Financial Aid and Scholarships page.