Ed Bradley Scholarship
Ed Bradley Scholarship supports students of color with educational funding and professional development to pursue radio, television, or digital journalism and uphold journalistic excellence.
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: $10,000 scholarship, plus covered travel and lodging for Washington, D.C. programming
Summary: Supports students of color pursuing radio, television, or digital journalism through educational funding and professional development.
Key Information: Apply for only one RTDNA scholarship or fellowship opportunity; multiple applications result in disqualification.
Description
The Ed Bradley Scholarship is administered by the RTDNA Foundation, the educational arm of the Radio Television Digital News Association. It supports students of color pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. Bradley established the scholarship in 1994, and it has supported 20 young journalists of color, including recipients who went on to work at NPR, CNN, and Al-Jazeera America.
The scholarship carries forward Bradley’s commitment to journalistic excellence and First Amendment rights. His career included 26 years on CBS News’ 60 Minutes and service as the first African American White House television correspondent. Alongside educational funding, the recipient receives an invitation to Washington, D.C., for professional-development training, networking with industry leaders, and participation in the RTDNA Foundation First Amendment Awards.
