Lee Thornton Scholarship
RTDNA Foundation
Application Deadline: October 22, 2026
Overview
About RTDNA Foundation Scholarships and 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).
Individuals can apply for only one scholarship or fellowship opportunity, so please read carefully. Individuals who apply for more than one will be disqualified.
Eligibility
Coverage
The recipient will receive $2,000 and invitation to Washington, D.C.
How to apply
Key things to know
- Eligibility is open to students and professionals studying or working in the United States
- Students are not eligible to receive the same scholarship more than once, but can receive a Fellowship in the future
Complete the online application form, including:
- Contact information
- Experience
- URL links to 3-5 work samples
- Links should be broadcast (television/radio) or online news pieces
- And, should be uploaded to a host site like YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, etc.
Upload supplemental materials
- Cover letter
- Discuss current and past journalism experience
- Describe how you intend to use the funds
- Discuss your choice to pursue a career in journalism
- Resume
- Letter of recommendation
- From a professor, advisor or supervisor
Individuals can apply for only one scholarship or fellowship opportunity, so please read carefully. Individuals who apply for more than one will be disqualified.
Important dates
- Applications OpenSeptember 9, 2026
- Application Due DateOctober 22, 2026