Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Radio Television Digital News Foundation
About the Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship
The Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship honors Louis F. Prato’s more than 30 years of service to RTDNA and the RTDNA Foundation and his commitment to excellence in journalism. The scholarship was established in 2001 to support journalism students who pursue sports reporting and who reflect Prato’s journalistic values. Louis Prato served as RTDNA Foundation secretary, RTDNA Board treasurer, a sports broadcaster, news director, and journalism professor; he was also the author of books on Penn State football and director of the Penn State All Sports Museum. He died in February 2025.
Description: A competitive scholarship awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in sports reporting and a commitment to journalistic standards.
Award Value: The recipient receives $1,000 and an invitation to Washington, D.C.; travel and lodging costs for the invitation are covered by RTDNA.
History of the Award: Founded in 2001 in recognition of Lou Prato’s service to RTDNA and the RTDNA Foundation and his lifelong commitment to journalism.
- Established in 2001 to honor Louis F. Prato’s service and values.
- Supports students pursuing sports reporting in broadcast or digital media.
- Includes a cash award and a funded invitation to professional development in Washington, D.C.
Who Can Apply
The scholarship is intended for students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors at the time the award is granted and who are pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. Applicants should show an interest and experience in sports reporting. Application materials will be reviewed for journalistic quality, relevance of work samples, and demonstrated commitment to the field.
Eligibility: Students who meet the class-year requirements and who pursue radio, television, or digital journalism are eligible; application guidance also notes eligibility parameters for applicants studying or working in the United States.
- Targeted to undergraduates in their 2nd–4th years at award time.
- Focus on candidates pursuing broadcast or digital sports journalism.
- Applicants should confirm any geographic eligibility requirements in the application instructions.
Deadlines & Important Dates
The application cycle follows a clear annual timeline with specific dates for opening, submission, notification, and award-related events. Applications open in September 2026 and are due in October 2026, with recipient notifications in December 2026. In March 2027, recipients are invited to Washington, D.C. to attend the First Amendment Awards and participate in professional development and networking; RTDNA covers travel and lodging for that visit.
Application Timeline: Applications open September 2026; due in October 2026; recipients notified December 2026; recipient events and travel take place March 2027.
- Apply during the September–October window.
- Recipients are notified in December and attend events in March.
- RTDNA covers travel and lodging for the Washington, D.C. program.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online and require a complete application form plus several supporting materials. Required items include contact information, a résumé, work samples, a cover letter, and a letter of recommendation. Applicants may apply for only one scholarship or fellowship per cycle; submitting multiple applications will result in disqualification.
Application Components: Complete the online form with contact information and experience; provide URL links to 3–5 broadcast or online news work samples hosted on platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud; upload a cover letter, résumé, and a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or supervisor.
Additional Rules: Students may not receive the same scholarship more than once but may be eligible for future fellowships; individuals may apply for only one scholarship or fellowship opportunity per cycle.
- Provide 3–5 relevant broadcast or online work samples via URLs.
- Include a cover letter explaining experience, career plans, and intended use of funds.
- One application per person per cycle; check eligibility before applying.