Zoe Duncan, a rising junior at Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, has been awarded the Virginia SPJ,SDX Educational Foundation’s fellowship to support her internship with a news organization this summer.
Duncan, an honors student majoring in strategic communications, will receive a $1,500 stipend from the foundation to support her work as a summer intern with the Paramount media conglomerate. The funds can be used to cover internship-related travel, lodging, supplies and other costs.
Duncan, who is from Charlotte, N.C., was selected as the educational foundation’s 2025 George A. Bowles Jr. Fellow, named for the late Virginia broadcast journalist. It is the top award in the foundation’s annual summer fellowship competition.
Duncan has won several academic and early-career honors.
Recently, the Emma Bowen Foundation, which “develops and connects emerging talent with leading media, entertainment, and technology companies,” selected her as a fellow after Duncan was awarded an internship with that organization’s partner company BET+, a Paramount cable television channel and online platform. Duncan will work at BET’s operations in Los Angeles from June until August.
“My role will involve direct collaboration with BET+’s content and editorial teams, where I’ll contribute to shaping narratives, developing digital campaigns, and analyzing audience engagement, all within fast-paced production cycles,” Duncan said.
She said the financial support from the Virginia SPJ,SDX Educational Foundation “will go a long way in helping offset the high cost of housing in Los Angeles, California, and will allow me to fully focus on this opportunity.”
In her application for the educational foundation’s fellowship, Duncan wrote, “I want to use my work in journalism to promote equity, acceptance, and respect in both the professional world and society at large.
“This passion fuels my commitment to journalism, as I believe it is a necessary tool for creating change, fostering understanding, and uplifting marginalized communities. Through storytelling, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conversations that shape our world and support a more just and inclusive future.”
Duncan, who also is pursuing a minor in political science at Hampton, is a member of the university’s Freddye T. Davy Honors College. She has won several scholarships and serves as communications director for the Hampton University chapter of Voters of Tomorrow. Duncan’s professors have praised her work ethic and journalism skills, especially regarding social media.
About the foundation and its fellowship program
The foundation was formed in 1971 by the Virginia Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Since then, it has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships and fellowships to more than 90 students attending Virginia colleges and universities. Here is a list of recipients, including bios and photos, over the past half-century.
The foundation will begin taking applications for the summer 2026 fellowships in December. Applicants must be sophomores, juniors or seniors enrolled at an accredited Virginia college or university. Applicants need not be journalism majors but must demonstrate intent to pursue a journalism career in print, broadcast or online media.
The foundation seeks donations to support the fellowship program. Donations are tax-deductible, and 100 percent of donations go toward fellowships. Checks (payable to Va. SPJ,SDX Educational Foundation) may be mailed to:
Brian Eckert
VSSEF Treasurer
2701 River Oaks Dr.
Midlothian, VA 23113
SPJVA Today 