Varies
Avg. Amount Awarded
331
Days
November 14 2026
Application Deadline
N/A
Renewable
Apply Now
What you'll need:
  • Checkmark Other - Contact information; Experience; Cover letter
  • Checkmark Application Form
  • Checkmark Portfolio
  • Checkmark Recommendations Or References
  • Checkmark Resume
Apply Now
Lee Thornton Scholarship

Description

Lee Thornton was the first African-American woman to cover the White House for a major news network (CBS) and the first African-American host of All Things Considered on National Public Radio. Ms. Thornton passed away in 2013 at age 71 and endowed in her estate the Lee Thornton Scholarship in her name. The recipient of the Lee Thornton Scholarship will receive a monetary award and an invitation to the RTDNA conference. Applicants must be pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. They must plan on continuing their undergraduate education in the Fall semester to be eligible. Students from the University of Maryland and Howard University will be given preference. Applicants must submit the 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. Applicants must also submit a cover letter, which discusses the applicant's current and past journalism experience, describes how the applicant intends to use the funds, and discusses the applicant's choice to pursue a career in journalism. Applicants must also submit a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor or supervisor. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Radio Television Digital News Association for more information.

Amount Details

$2,000
Low Amount Awarded

Eligibility Requirements

  • CheckmarkMust attend a university or a four-year college
  • CheckmarkMust not be attending high school currently
  • CheckmarkMust study full-time
  • CheckmarkRestricted to students studying Journalism, TV/Radio Broadcasting

How to Apply

What you'll need:

  • Checkmark Other - Contact information; Experience; Cover letter
  • Checkmark Application Form
  • Checkmark Portfolio
  • Checkmark Recommendations Or References
  • Checkmark Resume
For more info, please visit our site
Contact Sharli Davidson
Awards Coordinator
membership@rtdna.org
Tel: 317-413-0595 Address The National Press Building
529 14th Street, NW Suite 1240
Washington, DC 20045