Apply for a Scholarship

The First Voices Television Writers Fund provides scholarships for emerging Native writers to participate in Script Anatomy’s Televisionary course.  Scholarship funds are used to pay tuition directly to Script Anatomy on behalf of selected recipients. 


Under the leadership of Tawnya Bhattacharya, Script Anatomy has been a respected television and screenwriting education program since 2011, helping emerging and experienced writers strengthen their craft and develop the skills needed for professional writing.


Scholarship recipients may choose to attend the Televisionary course online or in person, subject to availability. The First Voices Television Writers Fund covers tuition only. Recipients attending in person are responsible for their own travel, lodging, meals, and other related expenses. 

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must be enrolled citizens/members of a federally recognized Native American tribe, Alaska Native Village, or Native Hawaiian community; be at least 18 years of age; and have an interest in pursuing television writing.  

How to Apply

Applicants must submit an original short script of 15 pages or less; an original TV series you would like to create; including the premise, main characters, and why this story matters to you. A Writer's Statement describing any writing experience, why you want to pursue television writing, and how the Televisionary course would support your goals. Finally, provide documentation verifying tribal citizenship/enrollment or Native Hawaiian ancestry.

What Story can I Submit?

Your story, your genre, your choice. Comedy, horror, science fiction, family drama, thriller, a story centered on Native experiences—or something entirely different. The Fund supports Native writers, not one particular type of story.  

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications will be reviewed based on the originality and quality of the screenplay; storytelling, character development and writing ability; the creativity and potential of the television series concept; the applicant’s potential for growth and commitment to developing their craft; and how well the Televisionary program aligns with their creative goals. 

Acceptable Documentation

Applicants must provide the following documentation verifying their eligibility for the scholarship.


Native American and Alaska Native applicants may submit a copy of an official tribal citizenship or enrollment card, Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood (CDIB), or other official documentation issued by a federally recognized tribe or appropriate government agency verifying citizenship or enrollment.


Native Hawaiian applicants may submit a current Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Hawaiian Registry Card as verification of Native Hawaiian ancestry.


Applicants with questions about obtaining or verifying their documentation should contact their tribal nation, Native community, or appropriate issuing government organization directly.

Submission Terms & Agreement

By submitting a screenplay or any other creative materials to The First Voices Television Writers Fund (“the Fund”), you acknowledge and agree to the following:


Original Work

You represent and warrant that the submitted screenplay is your original work, that you own or control all rights necessary to submit it, and that its submission does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any other person or entity.


Purpose of Submission

Your screenplay is submitted solely for consideration for the First Voices Television Writers Fund Scholarship. Submission does not create any partnership, employment relationship, agency relationship, or expectation of future representation, production, publication, or financial compensation beyond the scholarship itself.


No Confidential Relationship

Submission of your screenplay does not establish a confidential or fiduciary relationship between you and the Fund, its directors, officers, volunteers, advisors, judges, or representatives.


Independent Creation

You acknowledge that the Fund, its board members, judges, advisors, partners, or affiliated organizations may currently possess, develop, receive, or later create ideas, stories, characters, themes, plots, or other creative works that are similar to those contained in your submission. You agree that any such similarity alone shall not give rise to any claim against the Fund or its representatives.


No Transfer of Copyright
You retain all ownership and copyright in your submitted screenplay. Submission to the Fund does not transfer or assign any intellectual property rights to the Fund. 


Registration of Your Work
Applicants are encouraged to register their screenplay with the Writers Guild of America Registry and/or the U.S. Copyright Office before submitting their work to the Fund. Registration is not required to apply. 


Review Process

Submitted materials may be reviewed by members of the Fund’s selection committee, board members, advisors, or other designated readers solely for the purpose of evaluating scholarship applications.


Decision is Final

Scholarship decisions are made at the sole discretion of the Fund. All decisions are final and are not subject to appeal or reconsideration.


Acceptance of Terms

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Submission Terms & Agreement.

Scholarship Application

2027 Application Timeline

Applications Open: January 4, 2027

Application Deadline: February 15, 2027

Scholarship Recipients Notified: June 1, 2027

Please check back on January 4, 2027, when the scholarship application form will become available.