In 2023, CMA established the Kelley Lash Travel Scholarship Fund as a needs-based travel scholarship available to adviser members who previously could not afford to travel to the college media national convention. The scholarship honors the legacy of Kelley Lash, past president of CMA, who passed away of a pulmonary embolism in February 2022 at 46. The goal was to support college advisers from various backgrounds, with specific consideration given to advisers at community colleges, tribal colleges, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, and faith-based universities.

In the past, we received assistance through a grant from our school’s foundation. However, the foundation changed the qualifications for the grant, cutting us out of that important assistance.

2023 grant applicant

In its first year, CMA received a grant for $5,000 and used it to send five recipients to conventions. One of the awardees used his grant to attend the 2023 Spring National College Media Convention, and the remaining four grantees attended the Fall National College Media Convention in Atlanta in October. 

“With the gift, we did not have to rush around to catch a flight. Instead, we were able to accept the Apple award and do a little celebrating. In addition, the students were so inspired and energized by the great programming offered during the conference. Not only that but their critique session was also super uplifting. They got some heat and light that has proven super beneficial to their outlook and their work.”

2023 grant recipient

CMA is excited to announce that the program will expand in its second year after receiving a $15,000 grant. The organization will award $5,000 to students and $10,000 to advisers so they can travel to conventions.

Applications are open now through Jan. 3, 2024. You can submit an application here. Application decisions will be communicated in mid-January.