RTDNF Scholarships Opening Soon
Offered by Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNA)
About This Scholarship
The Radio Television Digital News Foundation, the charitable arm of the Radio Television Digital News Association, has supported young broadcast and digital journalists since 1970, awarding more than $1 million in scholarships and fellowships to over 600 recipients. Each year the foundation funds 13 named scholarships for college students pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism, ranging from $1,000 to the $10,000 Ed Bradley Scholarship.
Applicants complete a single application but may pursue only one scholarship or fellowship per cycle, so it pays to read each award's criteria carefully. Some awards carry additional preferences: the Ed Bradley and Carole Simpson scholarships prioritize students of color, and a few are tied to specific schools or regions, while most are open nationwide.
The application asks for three to five links to broadcast or online news work samples, a cover letter, a resume, and a recommendation letter, making this a strong fit for students already producing real journalism through campus stations or internships.
Eligibility
- Officially enrolled, full-time college sophomore, junior, or senior in good standing
- Pursuing a career in radio, television, or digital journalism
- Able to provide 3-5 URL links to broadcast or online news work samples
- May apply to only one RTDNF scholarship or fellowship per year
How To Apply
- Apply online at rtdna.org between September 9 and October 22, 2026
- Submit a cover letter, resume, 3-5 work sample links, and a recommendation letter from a professor, advisor, or supervisor
- Choose one scholarship only — applying to multiple awards is disqualifying
Frequently Asked Questions
Can freshmen or graduate students apply for RTDNF scholarships?
No. The scholarships are limited to officially enrolled, full-time college sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good standing. Early-career professional journalists can instead apply for RTDNF fellowships.
Do I need professional broadcast experience to win?
You need demonstrable journalism work — the application requires 3-5 links to broadcast or online news pieces — but campus station, student newsroom, and internship work all qualify.