Journalism scholarships consider more than an interest in the news. The strongest shortlist matches your college stage, reporting medium and eligibility to a particular award. Start with these documented options, then choose work samples that show what you actually contributed.
Journalism awards to compare first
The RTDNA Foundation’s official call lists an October 22, 2026 application deadline. Its student scholarships generally require full-time enrollment as a sophomore, junior or senior in good standing and a career in radio, television or digital journalism. Individual restrictions apply. These are separate awards under one provider—not separate applications you should submit together.
| Scholarship | Award | Best fit | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Horner | $2,500 | Undergraduate journalism/communication student interested in broadcast or video-based public-interest reporting | Video/broadcast career preference |
| Ed Bradley | $10,000 | Student of color pursuing radio, television or digital journalism | Eligible college stage and student-of-color condition |
| Lee Thornton | $2,000 | Student pursuing electronic journalism | Preference for Howard University and University of Maryland students, not an exclusive institutional restriction |
| Lou & Carole Prato Sports Reporting | $1,000 | Student whose reporting interests include sports | Explain the journalism, not simply enthusiasm for athletics |
| Presidents Scholarship | $2,500 each; two awards listed | Eligible student pursuing broadcast/digital journalism | Same provider-wide application rules |
Apply for only one RTDNA scholarship or fellowship. The foundation says multiple applications disqualify an individual. Scholarship applicants studying in the United States should select their closest fit before opening the official application. No annual renewal is promised here.
Choose an award before choosing your samples
Horner is a plausible fit for someone building video documentaries; Prato is more useful to a student reporting sports as news. A student of color may find Bradley relevant, but identity does not replace the academic-stage and reporting requirements. Thornton’s named-school preference should not be rewritten as a requirement.
Make a two-column shortlist: mandatory conditions and preferences. Remove any opportunity for which you fail a mandatory condition. Then assess which remaining award is best supported by your existing work. Do not manufacture a specialization to chase the largest amount.
Prepare the actual RTDNA application materials
The published instructions request links to three to five work samples, contact/experience information, a cover letter, resume and a recommendation from a professor, adviser or supervisor. Samples should be broadcast or online news pieces hosted through accessible services such as YouTube, Vimeo or SoundCloud.
Test each link in a private browser window. A shared-drive link that only your university can open may prevent reviewers from evaluating the work. Preserve captions and an accurate title/date; do not upload employer-owned material without permission.
For each sample, prepare a brief role annotation. A hypothetical annotation might read:
Campus transit investigation, student newsroom, April 2026. I requested the timetable records, interviewed two riders and wrote the script. A teammate filmed and edited the video. The published piece includes both bylines.
This is an example of structure, not a claim to copy. Replace every detail with your own work. A group project is useful evidence when your contribution is clear; claiming the entire production as yours is not.
Write a cover letter grounded in reporting decisions
RTDNA asks about past/current journalism experience, intended use of the funds and your decision to pursue journalism. Answer all three rather than submitting a generic personal statement.
Describe one reporting choice: how you checked a disputed claim, sought a response, corrected an error or made a complex finding understandable. Explain what you learned without identifying confidential sources or disclosing unpublished notes. In a sports application, a reported story about participation costs may demonstrate more journalism judgment than an unsupported claim that you have always loved sports.
Give your recommender the award name, deadline, resume and sample list. Ask whether they can discuss your verification habits and reliability, not simply whether they can write a positive letter.
Keep other journalism support in the right category
NABJ’s scholarship overview says its awards can reach $10,000, individual calls have their own criteria, previous NABJ scholarship recipients cannot reapply, and payment goes to the school upon proof of enrollment. Treat this as an additional provider route, not confirmation of a specific open call. Its scholarship, internship and fellowship listings must be screened separately.
RTDNA fellowships are aimed at working journalists with less than ten years of experience; they are not interchangeable with undergraduate scholarships. Likewise, an internship’s wages should not be entered as a guaranteed tuition scholarship.
Frequently asked questions
Can first-year students use this RTDNA shortlist?
The general student rules name sophomores, juniors and seniors. Do not assume first-year eligibility. Use institutional journalism funding and separately verified calls for other stages.
Does the award include professional development?
RTDNA says recipients are invited to its March 2027 Washington, D.C. programming, with travel and lodging covered. That event support should not be added to the scholarship’s stated cash value.
Can I apply to several RTDNA awards to improve my chances?
No. Pick one; the call explicitly warns of disqualification for multiple applications.
Your next step
Choose one eligible award, test three to five samples, request the recommendation and work backward from the published deadline. Keep a copy of the submitted application and any provider instructions. Budget only from an actual offer, not from the award’s maximum value.
