The RTDNA George Foreman Tribute to Lyndon B. Johnson Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. Offered by the RTDNA Foundation, this scholarship is part of a long-standing program that has awarded more than $1 million to aspiring journalists since 1970. In addition to financial support, recipients are invited to attend the RTDNA Foundation First Amendment Awards with travel expenses covered.
Scholarship Details
- Specifically designated for students attending the University of Texas at Austin
- Recipients receive travel support to attend the RTDNA Foundation First Amendment Awards at no cost
- Applicants may apply for only one RTDNA Foundation scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a sophomore, junior or senior when the scholarship is awarded
- Must be studying or working in the United States
- Students may not receive the same RTDNA Foundation scholarship more than once, although they may be eligible for a fellowship in the future
Application Process
- Complete the online scholarship application form
- Provide your contact information and details about your journalism experience
- Submit links to three to five broadcast or online journalism work samples hosted on a platform such as YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud
- Upload a cover letter describing your journalism experience, explaining how you plan to use the scholarship funds, and outlining your commitment to a journalism career
- Upload your current resume
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor or supervisor
George Foreman is a boxing champion, Olympic gold medal winner and celebrated pitchman. As a young man, he was inspired by President Lyndon Johnson and by RTDNA Foundation founder Barney Oldfield. In his autobiography By George, Foreman credits LBJ's Job Corps for rescuing him "from the gutter." While attending the Job Cops program, he met Barney Oldfield, who was one of the program’s sponsors and became Foreman’s mentor. Foreman thanks Oldfield "for a lifetime of friendship, devotion, counsel, and wisdom. The world would be a far better place if everyone were lucky enough to have a friend like you."
