Lee Thornton Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Radio Television Digital News Foundation

Overview

The Lee Thornton Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. Recipients receive a monetary award and an invitation to Washington, D.C., for professional development tied to the First Amendment Awards. Selection emphasizes journalistic experience and work samples that demonstrate broadcast or online reporting skills. The scholarship is a named award honoring the legacy of Lee Thornton.

Description: A competitive scholarship intended to advance the careers of aspiring broadcast and digital journalists, combining financial support with industry networking and training opportunities in Washington, D.C.

• Supports students focused on broadcast and digital journalism
• Combines a cash award with a professional development visit to Washington, D.C.
• Selection based on experience and work samples

Eligibility

Primary eligibility is reserved for undergraduate students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors when the scholarship is awarded and who are pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. The program gives preference to students from the University of Maryland and Howard University. Other RTDNA scholarship and fellowship rules note eligibility for students and professionals studying or working in the United States; applicants should verify specific eligibility for each opportunity. Applicants may not receive the same scholarship more than once, though fellowships may be available later.

Eligibility: Applicants must be undergraduate students (sophomore–senior standing at award time) pursuing broadcast or digital journalism; preference is given to University of Maryland and Howard University students.

• Open to undergraduate students in broadcast or digital journalism tracks
• Preference for University of Maryland and Howard University students
• Scholarship cannot be received more than once by the same student

Award & Invitation

The named scholarship provides a financial award and an invitation to Washington, D.C., where recipients participate in industry events and professional development. The award amount is $2,000. Recipients are invited to attend the First Amendment Awards and a day of training and networking with industry leaders. Travel and lodging for the Washington program are covered by RTDNA.

Award Value: $2,000 plus an invitation to Washington, D.C., for the First Amendment Awards and a professional development day; travel and lodging are paid by RTDNA.

• $2,000 cash award
• Invitation to the First Amendment Awards and associated training
• Travel and lodging for the Washington visit are covered

Application Timeline

The application cycle follows an annual schedule with specific deadlines for the award year. For the 2026–2027 cycle, applications open in September 2026 and are due in October 2026. Recipients will be notified in December 2026 and invited to the Washington, D.C., program in March 2027. Applicants should watch the posted timeline and submit all materials by the published due date.

Application Timeline: Applications open September 2026, are due October 2026, notifications occur in December 2026, and the Washington program takes place in March 2027.

• Applications open in September and are due in October (2026 cycle)
• Recipients notified in December
• Washington program and First Amendment Awards occur in March

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through an online form and require contact information, a summary of relevant experience, and links to 3–5 work samples. Work samples should be broadcast (television/radio) or online news pieces and hosted on platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud. Applicants must also upload supplemental materials: a cover letter addressing experience, intended use of funds, and career choice; a resume; and a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or supervisor. Individuals may apply to only one scholarship or fellowship opportunity in a cycle; multiple applications will result in disqualification.

Application Requirements: Complete the online form with contact details and experience, provide 3–5 hosted work samples, and upload a cover letter, resume, and a recommendation letter.

• Online form with contact and experience information required
• Submit 3–5 hosted work samples (broadcast or online pieces)
• Include a cover letter, resume, and one recommendation letter
• Only one scholarship or fellowship application allowed per individual

History of the Award

The scholarship honors Lee Thornton, a pioneering journalist and educator. She was the first African-American woman to cover the White House for a major network (CBS) and the first African-American host of All Things Considered on NPR. Thornton served on the faculty of Howard University’s School of Communications, later taught at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, and served as interim dean; she held advanced degrees from Michigan State University and Northwestern University. She endowed this scholarship in her estate and passed away in 2013 at age 71.

History of the Award: Named for Lee Thornton to commemorate her career in broadcast journalism and her contributions as a teacher and leader in journalism education.

• Named for Lee Thornton, a trailblazing broadcast journalist and educator
• Thornton’s career included major network and NPR milestones
• The scholarship was endowed through her estate after her passing in 2013