RTDNA Foundation Scholarships & Fellowships

Since 1970, the RTDNA Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and fellowships to more than 600 young journalists as part of its mission as the educational arm of RTDNA.

Recipients have gone on to enjoy careers from reporter, anchor, and news director to White House speechwriter, media regulatory attorney, and journalism educator. Several have served as RTDNA board members and many are Murrow Award winners.

Scholarships are open to college students pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. Fellowships are open to professional broadcast or digital journalists with less 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 Foundation First Amendment Awards free of charge and with travel support.

The RTDNA Foundation awards 13 scholarships and three fellowships annually to outstanding journalism students and early career professionals. 

Each scholarship/fellowship comes with a financial award to help further a young journalist's education (awards differ by scholarship, please check eligibility). 

Date Description
September 9, 2026 Applications Open
October 22, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern                       Application Due Date
December 2026 Recipients Notified
March 2027 RTDNA First Amendment Awards



A few important notes: 

  • Before you click to begin your entries, login to RTDNA or create an account.
  • Please review information about each scholarship, including eligibility information, here.
  • Individuals can apply for only one scholarship or fellowship opportunity, so please read carefully. Individuals who apply for more than one will be disqualified. 
  • Need help or have questions? Contact Sharli Davidson, RTDNA's Awards Coordinator, at sharli@rtdna.org.