Carole Simpson Scholarship

Established in 1991 by trailblazing journalist Carole Simpson, this scholarship encourages and supports students of color pursuing careers in electronic journalism. Simpson—an RTDNA Foundation trustee and recipient of the Leonard Zeidenberg First Amendment Award—created the scholarship to help minority students overcome barriers in the news industry.

Throughout her pioneering career, Simpson became the first African American woman to anchor a network evening newscast, the first woman to broadcast news in Chicago, and the first woman and first minority to solo moderate a presidential debate.

Award Details

  • Amount: $2,000

  • Additional benefit: Invitation to the RTDNA Conference

  • Administered by: RTDNA Foundation

Eligibility

  • Open to undergraduate students of color pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism

  • Must be a sophomore, junior, or senior at the time of the award

  • Must plan to continue undergraduate studies in the upcoming Fall semester

Opportunity offered by:

Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF)

The Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF), a 501(c)3 educational foundation, offers education and leadership development around the country to empower journalists with the tools they need to be news…
Online application form
Opportunity type

Scholarship

Location(s) where available

United States (all)

Maximum grant amount

$2000

Areas of focus

Digital Journalism
Radio
TV Journalism
Undergraduate Journalism
Underrepresented Community(ies)

Applications accepted starting:
October 16, 2025
Application deadline:
November 17, 2025
This is a recurring opportunity