Two awards are given each year in honor of former RTDNA Presidents Theodore Koop, Bruce Dennis, James McCulla, John Salisbury, Bruce Palmer, Dick Cheverton, Jim Byron, Ben Chatfield and John Hogan.
The recipients of the Presidents Scholarship will each receive $2,500 and an invitation to the Excellence in Journalism conference.
Congratulations to 2019 Presidents Scholars Hanin Najjar, University of Southern California, and Annabel Thorpe, University of Missouri.
- Students who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors at the time the scholarship is awarded, pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism
- Winners must be officially enrolled, full-time sophomores or above in good standing when scholarships are awarded
- Students may apply for only one RTDNF scholarship, and past RTDNF scholarship winners are not eligible.
HOW TO APPLY
- Complete the online application form, including:
- Contact information
- Experience
- URL links to 3-5 work samples
- Work samples should be broadcast (television/radio) or online news pieces
- Work samples should be uploaded to a host site like YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, etc.
- Upload the supplemental materials:
- Cover letter
- Discuss your current and past journalism experience
- Describe how you intend to use the funds
- Discuss your choice to pursue a career in journalism
- Addressed to RTDNF Scholarship Committee
- Resume
- Letter of recommendation
- From a professor, advisor, or supervisor
- Addressed to RTDNF Scholarship Committee
- Cover letter
PAST WINNERS
| 2018 | Samantha Avalos | Emerson College |
| Kari Jakobsen | Washington State University | |
| 2017 | Nora Faris | University of Missouri |
| Miranda Suarez | Boston University | |
| 2016 | Thomas Garris | Ithaca College |
| Lauren Holt | Emerson College | |
| 2015 | Emily Schweich | University of Maryland |
| Jenna Middaugh | University of Missouri | |
| 2014 | Brett Hall | University of Maryland |
| Brooke Sassman | Rutgers University | |
| 2013 | Jason Puckett | Elon University |
| Shannan Ferry | Hofstra University | |
| 2012 | Brandon Goldner | University of Maryland |
| Joe Bruno | Elon University | |
| 2011 | Samantha Baranowski | Elon University |
| Sarah Phinney | Ball State University | |
| 2010 | Abbey Niezgoda | Emerson College |
| Monica Yantosh | Elon University | |
| 2009 | Jennifer Rizzi | Bucknell |
| John Santucci | Hofstra | |
| 2008 | Kimberly Saltmarsh | Hofstra |
| Sarah Hollenbeck | University of Missouri | |
| 2007 | Adam Rhew | UNC Chapel Hill |
| Adam Shivers | University of Alabama | |
| 2006 | Thomas Hendrick | University of Colorado |
| Lauren Williamson | University of North Texas |
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Frequently asked questions
Application tips and checklist
CONTACT: If you have questions about scholarships and fellowships, please contact Kate McGarrity.
