Religion Newswriters Association (RNA) is once again this year giving out awards for student writing for the 2012-13 school year.

The Chandler Award honors excellence in student writing with an emphasis on reporting skill & a grasp of religion issues that is fair, balanced & in accordance with journalistic standards. Russ Chandler, former Los Angeles Times reporter, and his wife, ML, have sponsored the award since 2002 “to promote clarity & nuance in a field that is not always reported with expertise.”

Entry details:

Any undergraduate or graduate student may enter.

Submit up to three print or online news & features about religion, spirituality or ethics published during the 2012-13 academic year. Stories published through internships or student media are eligible.

Entry is free! And you don’t have to be on the religion beat to enter.

Russ Chandler says “It’s always exciting when we see student catch the spirit, & find innovative and fresh ways to convey some of the most fascinating truths, beliefs & practices of human history.”

Former Chandler award recipient, Manya Brachear, current religion reporter at the Chicago Tribune says, “I call the Chandlers the ‘Fairy Godparents of my career.’ Winning the Chandler Award gave me such a great boost of confidence heading into my role as a religion reporter.”

First place receives $600 cash plus an all-expense paid trip to the 64th annual RNA conference, September 26-28, 2013 in Austin, Texas. Gain recognition and network with professionals!

Enter by May 1, 2013 at http://www.rna.org/?page=contests_students