“Often, U.S. journalism is focused on divisive stories about hatred, crime, and war. But humanity needs hopeful stories, too,” Gangwal said in her application essay. “ As a South Asian woman journalist, I will bring diversity to U.S. journalism by covering stories about marginalized communities reclaiming joy.”
In summer 2024, Gangwal participated in the Mosaic Journalism Program, during which she covered issues with the local VTA transit system among other topics. During the previous summer, she was a student reporter at the School of The New York Times, where she reported on climate change and the environment.
“Antara’s work demonstrates a fine balance between methodical thinking and planning, and creativity,” wrote Sarah Lai Stirland, associate news producer at KALW, in a recommendation letter. “We were captivated by her eagerness, energy, intellectual curiosity, and, importantly, follow through at KALW.”
Other recommendation letters from Gangwal’s teachers and supervisors praised her aptitude for leadership as well as her journalistic sensibility.
“Her dedication to hearing diverse voices was reflected in an article she wrote about the events that unfolded following a walkout by students at San Jose’s Overfelt High School,” wrote David Diamond, her supervisor during the Mosaic program. “Antara left no stone unturned as she dove into the article … and wrote a solid article that included a range of voices as it explored a unique angle on the immigration story: the growing movement of high school advocacy.”
The Julie Schoo Scholarship for Diversity in Journalism provides the recipient $5,000 per year over four years to support academic expenses. Named in memory of the late Julie Schoo, a previous executive director of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, the scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding high school student who is considering a career in journalism.
“Antara has already shown a commitment to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities through her journalism,” said National Press Club President Mike Balsamo. “Her passion for multimedia storytelling shines brightly, and we’re excited to see what comes next for her as she enters college in the fall.”
In addition to funding, scholarship winners are awarded one-year complimentary membership to the National Press Club. National Press Club scholarships are administered by its nonprofit affiliate, the National Press Club Journalism Institute.
Scholarship winners are selected by a group of Scholarship Team volunteer judges led by Team Leads Erin Looney and Caitlin Mullaney. Thank you to the judges for the Scholarship for Diversity in Journalism: Fred Barrett, Lucía Matamoros, Lisa Matthews, and Maggie Rhoads.
About the Institute
The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. NPCJI is the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club. Support the Institute’s student-focused programming with a donation today.
About the Club
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members from nearly every leading news organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.
