• by Aaron Baar , December 14, 2017

Nikon is taking advantage of its 100th anniversary to inspire the next generation of photographers. 

The venerable brand announced its “Nikon Storytellers Scholarship” program, which will offer 10 students academic scholarships of $10,000 to pursue their education as visual storytellers and content creators. 

“For the past 100 years, Nikon has been at the forefront of optical innovation and exploration,” Kosuke Kawaura, Nikon’s director of marketing, communications and planning, tells Marketing Daily. “As we reflect on the past, we are also excited to look to the future by supporting the next generation of storytellers and content creators.”

The contest is open to undergraduate and graduate students in the United States and Canada, must have completed their freshman year of college by Fall 2018 and have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Semi-finalists will provide a portfolio or video submission for review, and scholarships will be awarded for the 2018-19 school year. 

The program is yet another way for Nikon to “connect with photographers of all levels,”  Kawaura says. Other initiatives have included the “Nikon #100” campaign, which highlights rising stars in photography on Instagram, and its “Show your love some love” efforts, which have encouraged photographers to show off the things that inspire them (like fall foliage colors or New York City) via social media.

“Nikon is committed to providing creators with the knowledge, tools and support to pursue their passions and help develop their careers,” Kawaura says. 

The company will be using public relations and other marketing efforts (including using its social media channels) for the scholarship selection process, which runs through June.