Lou & Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship
Lou & Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship supports a college journalism student’s education in radio, television, or digital journalism to further a career in sports reporting.
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: $1,000 scholarship, plus travel and lodging for the Washington, D.C. recipient event
Summary: Supports a college student pursuing sports reporting in radio, television, or digital journalism.
Key Information: Apply for only one RTDNA scholarship or fellowship opportunity; multiple applications result in disqualification.
Description
The Lou & Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship supports a journalism student who brings Lou Prato’s commitment to journalistic excellence to sports coverage. Administered by the RTDNA Foundation, the educational arm of the Radio Television Digital News Association, it provides financial support to further a young journalist’s education in radio, television, or digital journalism.
Established in 2001, the scholarship recognizes Louis F. Prato’s service to RTDNA and its Foundation over more than 30 years. Prato worked as a sports broadcaster, news director, and journalism professor, wrote books about Penn State football, and directed the Penn State All Sports Museum. The scholarship is part of the Foundation’s annual program of 13 scholarships and three fellowships supporting journalism students and early-career professionals.
