“The people who control the media control the message.” This statement drives my passion for journalism and media leadership. My name is Khariss Bender, and I am a rising senior at Howard University majoring in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Political Science. My experiences in student leadership, professional development, and community service have strengthened my interest in media management, entrepreneurship, and building platforms that empower diverse voices. Throughout my college career, I've interned in national newsrooms, including CNN Newsroom, CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, and NBCUniversal’s TODAY Show. These roles provided valuable insight into how successful media organizations operate and highlighted the importance of thoughtful, strategic management behind the scenes. My internships have refined my skills in research, editorial production, pitching, and audience engagement, fueling my ambition to create and manage my own media outlet. Additionally, my role as General Manager and President of Howard University’s Spotlight Network Television, the university's only student-run multimedia and live-streaming organization with over 154 members, has provided firsthand experience in leading teams, managing budgets, forming brand partnerships, and coordinating live coverage of significant campus events with WHUT-TV. These responsibilities taught me practical lessons about the intersection of creativity, management, and business strategy, confirming my desire to become a media executive and entrepreneur. Despite these enriching experiences, financial barriers continue to challenge my path to graduation. My 67-year-old mother has postponed her retirement to help support me through college. Despite her incredible dedication and sacrifices, we have accumulated substantial debt navigating tuition, housing, and daily expenses. For the 2025-2026 academic year, Howard University’s total cost of attendance is $73,268. Although I received grants and scholarships totaling $23,120, my financial aid package requires $50,148 in loans, including a $42,648 Parent PLUS Loan. Unfortunately, this year my financial aid was significantly reduced, creating even greater financial strain for my family. My immediate goal is to graduate without adding further to our debt. Receiving this scholarship would greatly alleviate our financial burden, allowing me to focus fully on academics, internships, and professional growth. With your support, I can concentrate on my ultimate goal: launching a media platform dedicated to storytelling, equity, and career opportunities for underrepresented communities. Ultimately, this scholarship represents an investment in my vision for inclusive media leadership and meaningful community impact. In addition to academics and professional activities, community service is central to my values. I volunteer with the National Council of Negro Women, assisting with food pantry initiatives to address food insecurity among local families. Furthermore, through Spotlight’s collaboration with WHUT-TV, I've helped livestream university events, making these important moments accessible to our broader community. Thank you for considering my application and investing in my journey to empower diverse voices and uplift communities through media management and leadership.

Question 1: I plan to begin law school in Fall 2026. I am currently preparing for the LSAT and finalizing my list of schools. My top choices include Columbia Law School, Howard University School of Law, and the University of Georgia School of Law. I am especially interested in Columbia’s dual degree MS/JD program, which would allow me to study both journalism and law. I plan to apply in the fall and submit a seat deposit by the spring 2026 deadline. Question 2: In the short term, I hope to attend Columbia University as an MS/JD candidate while working part-time in a local newsroom. I want to continue refining my reporting skills and legal knowledge side by side. As someone with a background in broadcast journalism, I understand the legal and ethical challenges journalists face daily, from sourcing and privacy to defamation and access to public records. Long-term, I hope to serve as in-house counsel for a media company, civic organization, or nonprofit focused on public interest and media equity. I also envision myself in a role that blends political reporting and legal analysis, offering commentary on law and government for younger, more diverse audiences. Eventually, I would like to teach media law and mentor aspiring journalists and legal professionals. Question 3: Outside of class, I've furthered my education in law and media by working in national news, public relations, and student leadership. At Howard University, I serve as the General Manager and President of Spotlight Network Television, our only student-run multimedia and livestreaming platform. I’ve led over 100 students and overseen coverage of national politics, student government, and major cultural events. I’ve also completed internships with CNN Newsroom, CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, NBCUniversal’s TODAY Show, and DKC PR. These roles taught me how to pitch stories, research legal and political issues, and produce live segments. During my internship with The Situation Room, I helped develop research on the 2024 election and saw firsthand how legal language around voting rights and misinformation shaped national dialogue. This experience deepened my desire to gain legal training to better understand and challenge how power operates in public communication. As a Warner Bros. Discovery University Ambassador, I also lead movie promotions on campus. This role has piqued my interest in the intersection of entertainment, intellectual property, and law, especially as media continues to evolve across platforms. Question 4: One of the most defining experiences in my journey came during my coverage of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. As the leader of my school’s news team, I organized and led a small group of student journalists to cover the inauguration of Donald J. Trump. We were some of the only Black people in the crowd. As I approached attendees to conduct interviews, many refused to speak with me. No one said it out loud, but I believe it was because of the color of my skin. Eventually, I wore a MAGA hat not because I supported the cause, but to help make attendees feel comfortable enough to speak with me on the record. That decision wasn’t easy, but I made it to get the story. I remained calm, professional, and focused. I asked fair questions and never let frustration take over. This experience taught me what journalistic courage really means. It also showed me the power of appearance, bias, and perception in political spaces. Media, race, and law are deeply connected, and I want to be someone who can navigate those intersections with integrity, insight, and purpose. During the interviews also had to explain several legal situations, like immigration/ deportation and the legality surrounding it. Question 5: If I had the resources to launch a philanthropic initiative, I would create a national legal literacy program for high school and college students. It would teach foundational rights like voting access, freedom of speech, and tenant protections through workshops and digital content. Right now, First Amendment rights are under attack, especially in classrooms. Many red states have passed bans on books and topics related to race and history. These policies often affect students in underfunded schools who already face limited educational opportunities. Legal knowledge shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be something every young person can access and understand. My program would aim to rebuild trust in legal systems through education, transparency, and youth engagement. I believe that when students understand the law, they can use it to advocate for themselves and others. That’s the kind of impact I hope to make.

Charity matters to me because I’ve benefited from people who made space, offered guidance, and shared knowledge when they didn’t have to. That support helped shape my experience as a student and future journalist, and I plan to do the same for others. At Howard University, I serve as General Manager and President of Spotlight Network Television, our student-run media organization. I’ve worked to create access to real-world experiences for students interested in media and communications. Last year, I organized a 13-person student trip to NYC for CultureCon, where we covered the event, networked with professionals, and gained insight into the creative industry. I also led our team’s coverage of the 2024 election, both on campus and in Washington, D.C., to help our audience stay informed and engaged. Outside of campus, I’ve interned with CNN Newsroom, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, NBCUniversal’s TODAY Show, and DKC PR. I’ve also served as a Warner Bros. Discovery University Ambassador, helping students connect with media and entertainment opportunities. These roles taught me that access often comes from someone being willing to share what they know. In the future, I plan to give back through mentorship, workshops, and media programs for young people. I want to create pathways for students, especially Black students, to see themselves in journalism, media, and public service. Giving back isn’t separate from what I do. It’s built into the way I lead and the career I’m building.

Storytelling has always been a part of my life. From an early age, I was drawn to the way people’s voices, experiences, and truths could move others. I now study broadcast journalism and political science at Howard University, where I lead our student-run television network and intern with national media organizations. I see storytelling as a skill and responsibility to reflect, inform, and uplift others. Although we live in a secular world, I have also found a way to exhibit Christ like love, wisdom, and nurturing through my pieces, Through my work in news, public relations, and entertainment media, I’ve seen how stories shape how people understand themselves and the world. Whether I’m covering a campus event or writing a profile on a student activist, I aim to make sure that people feel seen and heard. I believe the most meaningful stories come from a place of care, clarity, and purpose. I grew up at Renaissance Church of Christ in Atlanta, where I learned the value of truth, service, and grace. These lessons show up in the way I lead, the way I work with others, and the kind of content I create. Faith has taught me to listen closely, write with intention, and carry the stories of others with care. I want to tell stories that help people connect—to each other, to their purpose, and to something bigger than themselves. Whether in journalism, community work, or creative media, I hope my storytelling reminds people that there is always light, even in difficult times.

Growing up in Atlanta, I always felt the strength of community around me whether it was in the classroom, my neighborhood, or local businesses like the ones supporting this scholarship. That connection has shaped the way I see the world and my future. Being part of a community has taught me that hope doesn’t come from having everything figured out. It comes from knowing you’re not doing it alone. Right now, I’m a rising senior at Howard University, majoring in broadcast journalism and minoring in political science. I’m also the General Manager and President of Spotlight Network Television, our student-run media platform. We cover campus news, entertainment, and events, but our work goes beyond content creation. We give students hands-on experience, help them find their voice, and create space for stories that matter. Leading that team has been one of the most impactful parts of my college experience. It reminded me how much power there is in collaboration and how strong a team can be when people support each other. Outside of school, I’ve worked in multiple national newsrooms and serve as a Warner Bros. Discovery University Ambassador. I also have experience in public relations and event support, and I’ve volunteered with voter education programs and mentorship efforts. One of my favorite moments was helping lead a student voter registration event in D.C., where we partnered with other HBCUs to engage students in civic life. It was high-energy, mission-driven, and reminded me that even small actions, like handing someone a voter info card or helping them register can ripple outward in big ways. Those moments keep me hopeful. I’ve learned that impact doesn’t always look flashy. Sometimes it’s about creating opportunities, offering support, or just showing up. My time at Howard has also shown me how much people can grow when they feel seen and supported. I’ve been on both sides of that, being mentored and mentoring others, and both roles have pushed me to lead with empathy and purpose. In every space I’ve worked in, I’ve tried to carry those values with me. Whether I'm interning in a newsroom, leading a team, or working behind the scenes on a campaign, I bring the lessons my community gave me: to listen, to serve, and to believe in what’s possible when people come together. As I move forward in my career, I want to keep those values at the center of my work. I want to create media that informs and uplifts. I want to help build platforms that reflect real people and real stories. And I want to stay grounded in the belief that connection and kindness are tools for change. Community gave me that perspective. And it’s what continues to fuel my drive to grow, lead, and give back.

I’m a rising senior at Howard University, majoring in broadcast journalism and minoring in political science. I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, and I’ve always had a strong interest in storytelling, civic education, and the way media influences how people understand the world around them. At Howard, I serve as the General Manager and President of Spotlight Network Television, our student-run multimedia platform. In this role, I help oversee video production, livestreaming, and content strategy across our news, entertainment, and sports departments. We cover campus events, host original programming, and provide hands-on experience to over 300 students interested in media. Managing a team this size has taught me how to lead with purpose, communicate clearly, and create opportunities for others. It’s also shown me how powerful student media can be when it’s done well. Outside the classroom, I’ve worked in both journalism and public relations. I’ve interned with CNN and NBCUniversal, where I supported daily production, research, and editorial planning. I’ve also interned with DKC, a PR firm in New York, where I learned how brands manage communication strategies, media relations, and campaign messaging. Right now, I serve as a Warner Bros. Discovery University Ambassador. In this role, I promote major studio releases on campus, lead brand activations, and help connect students to entertainment industry opportunities. These experiences have helped me develop a wide range of media skills, from production and outreach to writing and creative strategy. I plan to use what I’ve learned to build a career that centers truth, access, and representation. Whether I’m working as a reporter, producer, or communications strategist, my goal is to make sure real people and real stories are at the center of the conversation. I want to help break down misinformation, tell stories that reflect underrepresented communities, and create media that makes people think and ask questions. I believe media should inform people, not just entertain them. Long-term, I’d like to help bridge the gap between journalism, public engagement, and digital media. I’m interested in finding new ways to connect with younger audiences, whether that’s through campus newsrooms, social platforms, or partnerships between media companies and schools. I think there’s room to reimagine how people interact with information, and I want to be a part of that. Howard has played a huge role in helping me figure out who I am and what kind of impact I want to make. I chose to attend an HBCU because I wanted to grow in an environment that valued my voice and prepared me to lead. That decision changed my life. It gave me the space to learn, ask questions, and contribute to something bigger than myself. Through my studies and work, I hope to continue making media that matters, and that helps others feel more seen, more informed, and more equipped to speak up.

I plan to continue my education because I know I have more to learn if I want to grow into the journalist I aim to be. As a rising senior broadcast journalism major and political science minor at Howard University, I’ve gained strong experience through internships in major national newsrooms. I’ve worked on production teams for CNN Newsroom, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, and NBCUniversal’s TODAY Show. These opportunities gave me a real look at how news is made at the highest level. They also showed me that I still need more depth, training, and perspective to produce the kind of reporting I value. Beyond undergrad, I want to earn a dual master’s degree in journalism and law from Columbia University in New York City. I’m especially interested in covering politics, law, and social issues, stories that impact Black communities in real and lasting ways. A graduate education will help me understand the legal and policy structures that affect people’s lives, and how to report on those topics clearly and responsibly. It will also help me ask better questions, challenge systems when needed, and write with accuracy and depth. I believe journalism should inform and empower, not confuse or divide. That takes more than a good headline. It takes a deeper level of understanding that I want to earn through continued study. My interest in this path started in high school and has only grown. I competed in speech and debate and always leaned toward topics that involved government, race, and justice. At Howard, I built on that by taking courses in constitutional law, public affairs reporting, and political theory. These classes made me think more critically about how stories are framed and how journalists carry a lot of responsibility when covering complex topics. I’ve also served in student media leadership, which has taught me about building trust with an audience, working under pressure, and helping others grow their own voices. Graduate school is the next step. I want to gain sharper skills in legal analysis, investigative reporting, and policy research. My long-term goal is to work as a national reporter or producer covering government, law, or education. I also want to create content that makes these topics more accessible to younger audiences, through digital media, social platforms, and educational series. I chose an HBCU for my undergraduate education because I wanted to be in a place where I didn’t have to shrink myself to fit in. Howard gave me space to lead, ask questions, and build my confidence. It gave me a strong start. I’m ready for the next phase, and I know graduate school will push me to grow even further. I want to bring what I learn back to my community, into my reporting, and into whatever platform I help build in the future. This scholarship would help me get there. It would remove part of the financial weight and give me more space to focus on what matters, showing up fully, working hard, and continuing to prepare for the future I’m building. I have one more year in undergrad, and I've received far less than I have in any other school year. To lighten the financial weight on my parents, I believe this scholarship would be everything I need and more. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I am a rising senior broadcast journalism major and political science minor at Howard University. My career goal is to become a multimedia broadcast journalist amplifying underrepresented voices and challenging traditional narratives in national media. I want to work both in front of and behind the camera as a reporter, anchor, and producer. I aim to cover politics, culture, and human interest stories in a way that is well-informed, poised, and clear. I’ve interned in three national newsrooms: CNN Newsroom, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, and NBCUniversal’s TODAY Show. I hope to build a career that shifts how stories are told, and who gets to tell them. Long-term, I want to create content that bridges news, civic education, and creative media. Being Black means knowing where I come from and who I represent. It means taking pride in my identity, even when it’s challenged. To me, being Black is about strength, self-awareness, and a deep sense of responsibility to the community. Whatever space we’re in, we carry ourselves with excellence. I chose Howard because I wanted to grow in a place where I felt seen and supported. At my HBCU, I’ve had the room to lead, ask real questions, and build confidence in my voice. Attending an HBCU shaped the kind of journalist I want to be and the kind of person I’m becoming. I believe attending an HBCU is the best decision I have ever made and I have been equipped with immense knowledge, skills, and wisdom.