Sinclair Broadcast Group Announces 2021 Annual Diversity Scholarship Winners, Shaping the Future of Broadcasting

Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) has awarded scholarships to seven university students as a part of its annual Diversity Scholarship program. Having provided more than $100,000 in tuition assistance during the last six years, the scholarship program aims to invest in the future of the broadcast industry. The primary goal of the scholarships is to help diverse students, who reflect Sinclair’s audiences nationwide, complete their education and pursue careers in broadcast journalism, digital storytelling, and marketing.

“It’s critical that future journalists, digital storytellers, marketing professionals, and others working behind the scenes within broadcast reflect the communities they serve,” said Sinclair President and CEO Chris Ripley. “With these scholarships, we hope to continue to increase diversity in the industry, not only heightening awareness but also driving change. We offer congratulations to this year’s winners and look forward to seeing their future success.”

This year, a total of $23,000 has been awarded to the following students:

Isaiah Mercado-Acosta
Isaiah is working towards his bachelor’s degree in journalism and explained his dedication to the field, “I am passionate about honest story writing and pride myself in being a trust-worthy journalist.” He is a member of the Student Veteran Organization, National Residence Hall Honorary, and the PUENTE Program at Sacramento State University, with an expected graduation date of 2022.

Mia Alva
After shadowing with an NBC Universal producer, Mia decided that journalism was the career she wanted to pursue. Currently, Mia is a Social Media Editor and Reporter for the University Times at California State University, Los Angeles and is working towards receiving her bachelor’s degree in Spring 2023.

Sandra Santos-Cruz
Sandra and her family moved to the United States in 1998. She is a motivated student, who already has earned two associate degrees in both Communications and Digital Arts. Sandra transferred to San Jose State University where she is majoring in Journalism. She explained her passion, “Once I graduate, I would like to continue in this community and offer the best of my knowledge to local students and farm workers. I would like to be that genuine resource for my community.”