St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards
The St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards recognize excellence in journalism and communications by Catholic Alumni Magazines and Students.
About the 2026 Awards Competition
The Catholic Media Association invites Alumni Magazines and Students to participate in the 2026 St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards competition. The collegiate awards program honors a wide range of journalistic skills and specialties, encouraging excellence and fostering a vibrant Catholic journalism community.
For Alumni Magazines, this program adds recognition to your work and enhances the visibility of your university and alumni.
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. Award winners earn recognition that enhances résumés and may open doors to 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.
Quick Links
Alumni Magazine Division
View Categories Rules & Regulations
Eligibility
- Catholic college or university alumni magazines
- Digital or print publications
- Members and non-members of the Catholic Media Association
- Original work published in the preceding calendar year
Key Dates
- Open Submission Period: Nov. 3, 2025 - Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT
- Extension Period: Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT
- Payment Deadline: Feb. 10, 2026
Entry Fees
- CMA Members: $38.00 per entry ($48.00 during Extension Period)
- Non-Members: $79.00 per entry ($89.00 during Extension Period)
Judging
Entries are judged by professionals knowledgeable about Catholic media, including faculty from prominent Catholic journalism schools. Judges bring experience across multiple media disciplines and are committed to fairness and integrity.
Student Division
View Categories Rules & Regulations
Eligibility
- Students enrolled full or part-time in an accredited Catholic university or college
- Original student work published in a recognized campus publication in 2025
- Students may enter individually, or professors/advisers may submit on their behalf
Key Dates
- Open Submission Period: Nov. 3, 2025 – Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT
- Extension Period: Jan. 31 – Feb. 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT
Entry Fees
Ten free entries per student.
Judging
Entries are judged by professionals knowledgeable about Catholic media, including faculty from prominent Catholic journalism schools. Judges bring experience across multiple media disciplines and are committed to fairness and integrity.