Welcome to the St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards

The St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards recognize excellence in journalism and communications by students and alumni of Catholic colleges and universities.

The Catholic Media Association invites Students and Alumni Magazines to participate in the 2025 St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards competition. St. Juan Diego is a symbol of evangelization and the messenger of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards honor a wide range of journalistic skills and specialties, encouraging excellence and fostering a vibrant Catholic journalism community.

For Students, the program provides aspiring journalists and media professionals a critique of your work, and introduces you to hundreds of journalism and communications professionals from throughout North America.

This competition is ideal for students looking to become media professionals. Award winners earn recognition that enhances résumés, and potentially earn internships while still in school. Judges evaluate the entry as if it were being submitted to an editor or communications director, and each entry receives a constructive critique.

For Alumni Magazines, this program adds recognition to your work and enhances the visibility of your university and alumni.

Please check with your funding sources to see if your college/university or department is available to support your participation. Thank you for considering the Catholic Media Association’s St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards.

Questions?

Email the Awards Team: Awards@CatholicMediaAssociation.org

Student Division

Eligibility

Students enrolled full or part-time in an accredited Catholic university or college.
Original student work appearing in a recognized college or university publication in 2024.
Students may enter work on their own, or
Professors or advisers may enter work on behalf of a student.

Key Dates

Open Submission Period: Nov. 1, 2024 - Jan. 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CT
Extension Period: Feb. 1-7, 2025 at 11:59 am CT

Entry Fees

Submissions: Ten free entries per student.

Alumni Magazine Division

Eligibility

Catholic College or University Alumni Magazines
Digital or print publications
Members and non-members of the Catholic Media Association
Original work appearing in a publication from the preceding calendar year

Key Dates

2024 Categories Announced: Oct. 15, 2024
Open Submission Period: Nov. 1, 2024 - Jan. 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CT
Extension Period: Feb. 1-7, 2025 at 11:59 am CT
Payment deadline: Feb. 9, 2025

Entry Fees for Alumni Magazines

CMA Members: $38 per entry during Open Submission Period, $48 during Extension Period
Non-Members: $79 per entry during Open Submission Period, $89 during Extension Period

Judging

Entries are judged by selected professionals knowledgeable about Catholic media, including faculty from prominent Catholic journalism schools. Our judges bring a wealth of experience in various media, ensuring a fair and informed evaluation of each entry, and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity throughout the evaluation process.