Pete Wilson Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Radio Television Digital News Foundation
Overview
The Pete Wilson Journalism Scholarship recognizes journalism students who demonstrate a commitment to ethical, responsible reporting. Established to honor the late Pete Wilson, the scholarship supports students connected to the San Francisco Bay Area and aims to encourage professional development in broadcast and online journalism. The program is administered with an emphasis on journalistic integrity and practical experience. Prospective applicants should review eligibility and application requirements carefully before applying.
Description: The scholarship targets undergraduate and graduate students who pursue journalism and uphold the standards exemplified by Pete Wilson.
History of the Award: The scholarship was established in 2007 in memory of Pete Wilson, a longtime San Francisco television and radio journalist, to continue his legacy in supporting ethical journalism.
- Founded in 2007 to honor Pete Wilson
- Focus on ethical, responsible journalism
- Supports students with Bay Area connections
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate journalism students who are from the San Francisco Bay Area or who attend a college or university in the Bay Area. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to ethical and responsible journalism through their work and experience. Specific institutional or residency documentation may be required during the application process. If you do not meet the Bay Area connection, you should not apply.
Eligibility: Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students from, or studying in, the San Francisco Bay Area and pursuing journalism.
- Open to undergraduate and graduate journalism students
- Applicant must be from or studying in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Must demonstrate commitment to ethical journalism
Award & Benefits
The recipient receives a monetary award and an invitation to a professional event in Washington, D.C. The scholarship provides not only financial support but also opportunities for training and networking with industry leaders. Attendance at the event includes participation in the First Amendment Awards and a day of professional development. Travel and lodging for the Washington, D.C. visit are covered by the administering organization.
Award Value: The scholarship award is $2,000 and includes an invitation to Washington, D.C., with travel and lodging covered.
- $2,000 scholarship award
- Invitation to Washington, D.C. for professional development
- Travel and lodging provided for the D.C. visit
Application Timeline
The application follows a seasonal schedule with a defined open period, deadline, and recipient notification date. Applicants should prepare materials well before the deadline to ensure complete submissions. Finalists and recipients will be notified in advance of the travel and event dates to allow for planning. Check the current application cycle for exact dates and submission portals.
Application Timeline: Applications open in September 2026, are due in October 2026, recipients are notified in December 2026, and invited recipients attend events in March 2027.
- Applications open: September 2026
- Application deadline: October 2026
- Recipients notified: December 2026; D.C. event: March 2027
How to Apply
Applications are submitted via an online form and require a combination of contact details, work samples, and supporting documents. Work samples should consist of 3–5 broadcast or online news pieces hosted on sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud. Applicants must upload a cover letter that outlines journalism experience, intended use of funds, and career motivations, along with a resume and a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or supervisor. Note that applicants may apply for only one scholarship or fellowship opportunity in the program cycle; submitting multiple applications may result in disqualification.
Application Process: Complete the online application with contact information and experience, provide 3–5 URLs to broadcast or online work samples, and upload a cover letter, resume, and a letter of recommendation.
- Submit 3–5 broadcast or online work samples (hosted on YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, etc.)
- Include a cover letter detailing experience, fund usage, and career goals
- Upload a resume and letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or supervisor
- Only one scholarship or fellowship application allowed per individual