Did you know that NCRA and NCRF offer a number of scholarships to students? All students need to do to apply is to complete the appropriate application form, secure program verification, provide a copy of their current transcripts, meet certain criteria, and in some cases, submit an essay. The dollar amounts of these financial opportunities range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand (see the chart below), and the good news is there is no limit on the number of scholarships a student can apply for. The application period for the first NCRF scholarship opens Jan. 8, 2025.
Don’t let the chance to earn free money that can support your court reporting and captioning journey slip through your hands. The follow tips are designed to help those interested in securing additional financial aid through NCRA and NCRF scholarships.
Checklists: Before beginning the application process, familiarize yourself with the requirements called for and make a checklist of items and include a deadline for obtaining or completing each component to help ensure submissions are made in a timely manner. Checklists also provide an opportunity for applicants to review all materials for correctness and completion.
Applications: Be sure to download the appropriate application form for the scholarship you are applying for. Read it carefully and don’t wait to begin completing it.
Program verification or letter of reference: Secure program verification or letters of reference now. Instructors are busy and so are students. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for a reference.
Transcripts: Contact the admissions office at your school to obtain your latest transcripts as soon as you download your application. This will ensure that you have the necessary information when you are ready to submit your application and other materials. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Essays: If an essay is required, allow yourself some time to think about your approach to the topic and remember to be passionate and smart about how you address the issue. Make sure your essay is authentic and compelling and clearly conveys your unique experiences and perspectives. Before finalizing it, have at least two others close to you read it to ensure clarity and correct punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
Deadlines: Be sure to meet the deadline for the scholarship you are applying for. Be one of the first to apply. The sooner you submit your information for a scholarship the better.
Finally, remember, if you apply for more than one scholarship, you increase your chances of success. Remember, small scholarships can add up to big wins, so don’t limit what you apply for based on just the value.
Good luck!
2025 NCRA AND NCRF STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
| STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS | Major Criteria | Opens | Closes | Amount |
| Gina Battaglia Memorial Student Intern Scholarship (two) | NCRA student members who have been interning in a court reporting or captioning role within the past 12 months. A skills test of 190 wpm (160 wpm for captioners) or above plus a short essay required. | Jan. 8, 2025 | Feb. 28, 2025 | $2,000 each |
| Stenograph Milton H. Wright Memorial Scholarship: Empowering the Future of Court Reporting Excellence | A court reporting student with an exemplary academic record who has passed at least one skills test writing 90-130 wpm. | Jan. 8, 2025 | March 19, 2025 | $5,000 in tuition, student writer, and software |
| NCRF Career Launcher Student Scholarship (five – seven per quarter) | Students currently enrolled in a court reporting program who have passed one skills test at 180 wpm or higher | Ongoing | March 14; June 13, Sept. 12; Dec. 12, 2025 | Up to seven students will receive a free Career Launcher registration (worth $100/$175) each quarter |
| NCRF A to Z® Scholarships (15) | Students who have completed an NCRA A to Z® Intro to Steno Machine Shorthand program and passed one skills test between 60 and 160 wpm | Aug. 1, 2025 | Sept. 30, 2025 | Up to 15 students will receive a $750 scholarship each |
| NCRA CASE Student Scholarships (five) | NCRA student members currently attending an NCRA-approved court reporting program and who have passed one skills test at 160 wpm or above | Aug. 1, 2025 | Sept. 30, 2025 | The top prize of $1,500 is the Sue Shelton White Scholarship; four additional scholarships are available in the amounts of $1,000, $750, $500, and $250 |
| NCRF Student Intern Scholarships (four) | NCRA student members who have been interning in a court reporting or captioning role within the past 12 months. A skills test of 190 wpm (160 wpm for captioners) or above plus a short essay required. | Sept. 2, 2025 | Dec. 5, 2025 | $2,000 each |
For more information about NCRF scholarships and grants, visit NCRA.org/scholarships or contact Jill Parker Landsman at ncrfoundation@ncra.org.
