Scholarships are open to college students pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. Fellowships are open to professional broadcast or digital journalists with fewer than 10 years of experience. Winners must be officially enrolled, full-time sophomores, juniors or seniors in good standing. Scholarship and fellowship winners are also asked to attend the RTDNA conference free of charge and with travel support.
Scholarship Details
- One $1,000 scholarship awarded annually
- Honors students committed to careers in electronic journalism
- Awarded in memory of Mike Reynolds, former KCCI-TV managing editor
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors at the time of the award
- Must be pursuing a career in radio, television, or digital journalism
- Must plan to continue undergraduate education in the upcoming Fall semester
- Demonstrated financial need, academic excellence, and strong writing ability
Application Process
- Complete the online RTDNA scholarship application
- Include contact details and background information
- Upload 3–5 journalism work samples hosted on platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud
- Attach a cover letter outlining journalism experience, financial need, and career goals
- Provide a current resume
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or supervisor
- Submit all materials by the January 16th deadline
Mike Reynolds, who died in 1988 of a brain tumor at age 45, was assignment editor and then managing editor at KCCI-TV in Des Moines, IA. This scholarship is awarded to a journalism student with good writing ability, excellent grades, a dedication to the news business, a strong interest in pursuing a career in electronic journalism and a demonstrated need for financial assistance.
