Why We Need Your Support

Every year, the Silurians Press Club  awards between $6,000 and $8,000 in scholarships to deserving journalism students attending colleges and universities in the New York City area.

Logo of the Silurians Press Club Foundation with text: An IRS registered 501(c)3 charitable entity. Donations are tax deductible.

The scholarships have long been funded by membership dues. However, with rising costs—the monthly guest luncheon program, publication of the Silurian News, insurance, and general overhead—our ability to maintain the scholarship program at its current level has increasingly come under stress.


Rather than cut back this program, we invite you to contribute to help preserve this vital mission and continue our 101 year commitment to integrity and excellence in journalism by supporting the next generation of journalists.


CLICK  to read more about the history of the renewed Silurians Press Club Foundation


The Silurian Press Club Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 charitable entity.  Tax ID: 13-6117870

All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Want to be inspired? Learn More About Our Recent Scholarship Recipients.

Kennedy Sessions-Black woman in white sweater

Kennedy Sessions, 2025 Dennis Duggan Scholarship

Inspired by Ida B. Well, Sessions, 26, specializes in Local Accountability Reporting and Data Journalism at the CUNY Newmark J-school.. Interested in covering how elected officials' decisions and policies impact lives of constituents.

See Sessions Acceptance
A woman is standing at a podium in front of a microphone.

Marina Samuels, 2025 Local Reporting Scholarship

Samuel, 24, specializes in Local Accountability Reporting and Data Journalism at the CUNY Newmark J-School, . "Work that we do should...reflect the struggles, amplify the voices of the community, and fights for its needs.

See Samuels Acceptance
A woman with long curly hair is smiling for the camera

Anna Oakes, Columbia Graduate School of Journalism

Anna Oakes spent the last two years reporting on immigration, social movements, and healthcare.Hopes to return to Buffalo to continue reporting, while working as a summer fellow in local accountability journalism at The City. 

Read More About Anna Oaks
A man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a microphone.

Garrett Owen

“Adherence to the hard truths and standards of integrity must always be followed and respected. We get to do that; We have the honor and privilege to do that. It’s a good kind of pressure.”

Garrett Own's Acceptance

About Us

The Silurians Press Club Foundation was originally established in 1953 as the George E. Sokolsky Silurian Contingency Fund to provide financial assistance to New York City newspeople facing adversity or illness.


In 2005, its mission was expanded to include educational support, reflecting a broader commitment to the future of journalism. The foundation now also helps fund scholarships to outstanding students in New York area colleges and universities who are pursuing careers in journalism. This educational focus aims to nurture and support the next generation of journalists. Today, the foundation continues both aspects of its mission—investing in journalism's future through education and offering aid to those in need.


As an IRS registered 501(3)c charitable organization, donations are tax deductible. EIN: 13-6117870