The RTDNA Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and fellowships to more than 600 aspiring and early-career journalists since 1970. These opportunities support students pursuing careers in radio, television, and digital journalism, as well as professionals with less than 10 years of experience. Scholarship recipients join a distinguished network of journalism professionals working in newsrooms, education, law, and public service. Winners also receive travel support to attend the RTDNA Foundation First Amendment Awards.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarships are available for college students pursuing careers in radio, television or digital journalism
- Fellowships are available for professional broadcast or digital journalists with fewer than 10 years of experience
- Recipients have gone on to careers as reporters, anchors, news directors, journalism educators, attorneys and public service professionals
- Students may receive a scholarship only once but may be eligible for a fellowship in the future
- Applicants may apply for only one scholarship or fellowship opportunity during each application cycle
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be studying or working in the United States
- Student applicants must be officially enrolled as full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors in good standing, with some scholarships also open to graduate students
- Fellowship applicants must be professional broadcast or digital journalists with less than 10 years of experience
Application Process
- Complete the online scholarship or fellowship application form
- Provide your contact information and details about your journalism experience
- Submit links to three to five broadcast or online news work samples hosted on platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo or SoundCloud
- Upload a cover letter describing your journalism experience, career goals, intended use of the scholarship funds, and reasons for pursuing journalism
- Upload your current resume
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor or supervisor
- Review your application to ensure all required materials are included, then submit it before the deadline
The RTDNA Foundation Scholarship Program provides valuable financial support and professional recognition for aspiring journalists. In addition to funding, recipients gain the opportunity to connect with industry leaders through the RTDNA Foundation First Amendment Awards. If you are committed to a career in broadcast or digital journalism, this program can help you take the next step toward achieving your goals.
