The RTDNA Lee Thornton Scholarship is offered to students who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors at the time the scholarship is awarded, pursuing careers in radio, television or digital journalism. Winners must be officially enrolled, full-time undergraduate students good standing when scholarships are awarded in September. Although not an official requirement, students from the University of Maryland and Howard University will be given preference.
Since 1970, the RTDNA Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and fellowships to more than 500 young journalists as part of its mission as the educational arm of RTDNA. Scholarships are open to college students pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. Scholarship winners are also asked to attend the RTDNA conference free of charge and with travel support.