Carole Simpson Scholarship
Carole Simpson Scholarship supports students of color with journalism education and professional development to help them overcome barriers and pursue careers in radio, television, or digital news.
Funder: Radio Television Digital News Association
Due Dates: September 9, 2026 (Applications open) | October 22, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern (Application deadline) | December 2026 (Notification) | March 2027 (First Amendment Awards)
Funding Amounts: $2,000, plus covered travel and lodging for the Washington, D.C. recipient event
Summary: Supports students of color pursuing radio, television, or digital journalism careers and helps them overcome barriers in electronic journalism.
Key Information: Applicants may apply for only one RTDNA Foundation scholarship or fellowship opportunity; multiple applications result in disqualification.
Description
The Carole Simpson Scholarship is administered by the RTDNA Foundation, the educational arm of the Radio Television Digital News Association. Established by Simpson in 1991, it encourages students of color pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism and helps them overcome hurdles in electronic journalism. Its purpose reflects Simpson’s barrier-breaking career, including becoming the first African American woman to anchor a network television evening newscast and the first woman and first minority to solo moderate a presidential debate.
The scholarship combines financial support for journalism education with an invitation to Washington, D.C., for professional-development training, networking with industry leaders, and the Foundation’s First Amendment Awards. It is part of a broader scholarship and fellowship program that has supported more than 600 young journalists since 1970.
