Lee Thornton Scholarship

The Lee Thornton Scholarship honors the trailblazing journalist and educator Lee Thornton, the first African American woman to cover the White House for a major television network (CBS) and to host NPR’s All Things Considered. In addition to her groundbreaking broadcast career, Thornton was a respected professor and dean at both Howard University and the University of Maryland, where she mentored generations of aspiring journalists. Her enduring legacy continues through this scholarship established in her name.

Award Details

  • Amount: $2,000

  • Additional benefit: Invitation to the RTDNA Conference

  • Administered by: RTDNA Foundation

Eligibility

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

  • Must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors at the time of the award

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

  • Preference given to students from the University of Maryland and Howard University

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

Applications accepted starting:
October 16, 2025
Application deadline:
November 14, 2025
This is a recurring opportunity