Note: This story originally appeared on WVLT.tv.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Front Page Foundation, a Knoxville-based nonprofit that offers journalism scholarships to Tennessee students is gearing up to launch something new. In the coming months, the group hopes to offer a unique license plate for anyone who lives in Tennessee.
The license plate will feature icons of independent Tennessee journalism. Key symbols include a camera, microphone and broadcasting tower. The plate will add an additional $35 to yearly registration, and half that money will go directly to student scholarships. It’s an initiative aimed at keeping local reporting alive and well.
However, the group needs help from the public to make the plate happen.
“Our primary goal is to raise scholarship funds for journalism students across Tennessee,” the foundation said in a statement. “The mission to support journalism through our state education systems and build backing for local media. We’re asking for your support.”
The final stage in getting the plate into drivers’ hands is convincing the state adding another design is a worthwhile investment. That means a link will soon be available for those interested to preorder a plate, and once enough people have signed up, the plate will enter production.
“Requesting this plate will support scholarships for local journalism and communication students across our state,” the foundation statement said. “We’ll have a link available for you to preorder the plate available soon.”