Lee Thornton Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Radio Television Digital News Foundation

Overview

The Lee Thornton Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in broadcast and digital journalism. It was established from the estate of Lee Thornton, a pioneering journalist and educator, to honor her legacy and to advance diversity in the profession. The award targets undergraduate students and includes an invitation to Washington, D.C. for professional development and networking. Preference is given to students from the University of Maryland and Howard University.

Description: A merit-based scholarship for undergraduates pursuing radio, television, or digital journalism, combined with a professional visit to Washington, D.C.

History of the Award: The scholarship was endowed in the estate of Lee Thornton, a trailblazing broadcaster and journalism educator who passed away in 2013.

• Created to honor Lee Thornton’s contributions to journalism and education.
• Supports students entering broadcast and digital news careers.
• Includes a professional development visit to Washington, D.C.
• Prefers applicants from University of Maryland and Howard University.

Eligibility

Applicants must be undergraduate students in the United States who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors at the time the scholarship is awarded. Candidates should be pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. Although the award is open to eligible students broadly, preference will be given to students from the University of Maryland and Howard University. Confirm your class standing and field of study before applying.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students (sophomores, juniors, seniors) in radio, television, or digital journalism; preference to University of Maryland and Howard University students.

• Open to undergraduate students in the U.S. pursuing broadcast/digital journalism.
• Must be sophomore, junior, or senior when awarded.
• Preference for University of Maryland and Howard University applicants.

Award

The scholarship award is $2,000 and includes an invitation to Washington, D.C. for the recipient. The Washington visit coincides with the RTDNA Foundation’s First Amendment Awards and a day of professional development and networking with industry leaders. RTDNA covers recipients’ travel and lodging for the Washington events. The award is intended to support educational expenses and professional growth.

Award Value: $2,000 plus an invitation to a Washington, D.C. professional program; travel and lodging for the event are covered by RTDNA.

• $2,000 scholarship payment to the recipient.
• Invitation to attend the First Amendment Awards and related professional development.
• Travel and lodging for the Washington events are provided.

Application Timeline

Applications open in September 2026 and are due in October 2026. Recipients will be notified in December 2026. Selected recipients will be invited to Washington, D.C. in March 2027 for the awards and professional development activities. Follow all deadline dates and allow time to prepare work samples and recommendation materials.

Application Timeline: Applications open September 2026; due October 2026; recipients notified December 2026; Washington, D.C. events in March 2027.

• Applications open: September 2026.
• Application deadline: October 2026.
• Recipients notified: December 2026.
• Washington, D.C. events and professional development: March 2027.

How to Apply

Submit the online application form with required contact information, experience details, and 3–5 work sample URLs. Work samples should be broadcast (television/radio) or online news pieces hosted on sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud. Upload supplemental materials including a cover letter (detailing journalism experience, intended use of funds, and career motivation), a resume, and a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or supervisor. Applicants may apply for only one scholarship or fellowship opportunity; applying for more than one will result in disqualification.

Application Instructions: Complete the online form, provide 3–5 hosted work samples, and upload a cover letter, resume, and recommendation.

• Provide contact information, experience, and 3–5 hosted work samples.
• Work samples must be broadcast or online news pieces uploaded to a host site.
• Required supplemental materials: cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation.
• Only one scholarship or fellowship application allowed; multiple applications will be disqualified.