The National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) encourages recent graduates to apply for its New Professional Reporter Grant, which awards funds to new professionals in their first year of work. The grant is awarded to help support start-up expenses such as purchasing software and earning credentials.
Thanks to continued generous donations and support, the Foundation was able to double the number of grants and funds awarded. This year two first-place winners will be awarded $4,000 each and two second-place winners will be awarded $2,000 each.
“We at NCRF want our newest professionals to have successful starts to their careers,” said Doug Friend, FAPR, RDR, CRR (Ret.), NCRF Chair. “What better way to provide affirmation than with an award that provides our confidence in financial support to each grant winner.”
Last year’s first-place grant was awarded to Reanna Buzza, a freelance reporter from Natrona Heights, Pa., who said she used the award money to complete her purchase of a new Luminex II.
In her application essay, Buzza wrote about why she is passionate about her career. “Every step of this journey, I have known that this was the right change in my life. It has given me more financial security. It has given me a supportive professional community. There are so many opportunities for success in this field, and I can’t wait to continue to grow and explore the profession.”
In the fall of 2022, Buzza completed internships with the Pittsburgh Pirates at their stadium and with Network Deposition Services (NDS).
Full criteria, an application, and a list of past recipients can be found on the grant page.
Two additional grants for new professionals who have passed their RSR or RPR, the Monyeen Black Memorial Grant and the Michelle Grimes Memorial Grant, open May 1.
For additional information about these and other grants, contact Jill Parker Landsman, NCRF Manager at jlandsman@ncra.org.
