Did you know that there are numerous scholarships for radio, television, and film majors in order to cut the hefty expenses of earning a college degree? Not only can your interests in the entertainment industry be an extra-curricular activity or unique hobby, but it can also lead to professional career development in a versatile and rather lucrative field. In fact, earning a degree in radio, television, and film can be the perfect option for honing the skills needed to make your mark on the world of entertainment in a wide range of roles. Whether you are striving to become a film director, cinematographer, broadcast producer, television writer, music director, screenwriter, stunt coordinator, or visual effects supervisor, the following are 25 great scholarships that are right up your alley!
1. Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
Deadline: May 1st
Each year, the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting are granted to five deserving film majors nationwide to receive a stipend of $35,000 along with the valuable opportunity to complete at least one original feature film screenplay with the Oscars. Qualified finalists must not earn more than $25,000 annually for motion picture or television writing, be 18 years old or over, and submit a copy of an original feature film screenplay of 90-120 pages in length.
Contact
Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
1313 Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90028
(310) 247-3010
nicholl@oscars.org
Scholarship Link
2. Bill Snyder Memorial Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 1st
At Missouri State University, the Department of Media, Journalism, and Film offers the Bill Snyder Memorial Scholarship Program for $1,000 annually to junior or senior undergraduate students who are majoring in Media Journalism or Film with a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in radio, television, broadcasting, or film. Eligible candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be enrolled full-time, and submit one letter of recommendation.
Contact
Bill Snyder Memorial Scholarship Program
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-5218
mjf@MissouriState.edu
3. Broadcast Film Critics Association Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
With the goal of providing college students with the financial assistance needed to pursue a career as a film critic, the Broadcast Film Critics Association Scholarships will grant $1,500 annually to radio, television, and film majors enrolled at accredited four-year U.S. institutions who display promise for broadcast film criticism. Along with the application, students must submit a proposed budget for the funding, recommendation letter from a producer/director, and a resume of experience on a college TV or radio station.
Contact
Broadcast Film Critics Association Scholarships
8949 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 860-2665
svoorhees@bfca.org
4. Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Created in 1988 with its commitment for academic excellence and professional development, the Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation Scholarships award up to $7,000 annually to junior and senior-level undergraduate students at accredited four-year U.S. universities who are majoring in television and film. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need, exhibit academic/professional promise, and have completed an outstanding film or video project.
Contact
Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation Scholarships
1212 Avenue of the Americas 7th Floor
New York, NY 10036
(212) 682-2913
KingScholarships@aol.com
5. Christine Renée Côté Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 25th
In honor of a student who was enrolled as a master’s student in the College of Communications before losing her well-fought six-year battle with cancer, the Christine Renée Côté Memorial Scholarship is granted for $1,000 annually to incoming radio-TV-film majors at California State University at Fullerton. Applicants should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, compose a one-page essay on qualifications, and also exhibit Christine’s generosity of spirit.
Contact
Christine Renée Côté Memorial Scholarship
800 North State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-7883
rtvf@fullerton.edu
6. Dr. Harris N. Liechti Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: February 11th
Annually, the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh awards the Dr. Harris N. Liechti Endowed Scholarship for $500 in memory of a beloved faculty member who was a writer, producer, and director for Armed Forces Radio and Television in Hollywood. Eligible students who are actively pursuing a career in radio, television, or film must be enrolled full-time, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be involved in the on-campus International Film Series.
Contact
Dr. Harris N. Liechti Endowed Scholarship
800 Algoma Blvd. Suite 112
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-3131
rtf@uwosh.edu
7. Ed Bradley Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
Established by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) in honor of the late CBS News and 60 Minutes correspondent, the Ed Bradley Scholarship presents $10,000 annually to fully enrolled radio and television majors with at least sophomore-level status in the United States who are interested in pursuing a career in electronic journalism. Candidates must submit a cover letter discussing current/past journalism experience, a letter of recommendation, and at least three links to relevant work samples of broadcast news pieces.
Contact
Ed Bradley Memorial Scholarship
529 14th Street NW Suite 1240
Washington, DC 20045
(202) 223-4007
karenh@rtdna.org
Scholarship Link
8. Francis D. Lyon Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Named in the memory of a distinguished film editor, director, and producer who received an Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1948, the Francis D. Lyon Scholarships are granted for $2,500 annually by the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Qualified undergraduate and graduate students must be pursuing an education in filmmaking from an accredited U.S. institution, share Lyon’s passion for making films, demonstrate financial need, and submit a work sample as evidence of talent.
Contact
Francis D. Lyon Scholarships
2 South Campus Avenue
Oxford, OH 45056
(513) 523-6345
jeffdavisphi@yahoo.com
9. Freedom of Speech PSA Contest Scholarships
Deadline: May 29th
Through the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF), the Freedom of Speech PSA Contest Scholarships will provide $3,000 to undergraduate students who submit the best 30-second TV or radio public service announcements highlighting the significance of free speech creatively. Entrants must be full-time or part-time undergraduate students enrolled in a U.S. post-secondary institution with full control over the content and aesthetics of the PSA.
Contact
Freedom of Speech PSA Contest Scholarships
1771 North Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 429-3191
yakinleye@nab.org
10. James W. Woodruff Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 1st
In honor of a true innovator who is coined with the significant accomplishment of introducing the television to the Chattahoochee River Valley with his station WRBL-TV, the James W. Woodruff Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund presents $1,000 awards annually to radio-television-film majors in the Media Studies program at Auburn University. While all eligible recipients must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher, preference is given to students from the Chattahoochee area.
Contact
James W. Woodruff Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund
217 Tichenor Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849
(334) 844-2727
sheppje@auburn.edu
11. Joel Garcia Memorial Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 1st
Sponsored by the California Chicano News Media Association (CCNMA), the Joel Garcia Memorial Scholarship Program distributes awards ranging in value from $500 to $2,000 to qualified Latino students who a pursuing a career in television/radio broadcast journalism at an accredited four-year public or private California institution. Applicants must submit a 500-word autobiographical essay, two reference letters, an official transcript, and three work samples.
Contact
Joel Garcia Memorial Scholarship Program
3502 Watt Way Suite G38
Los Angeles, CA 90089
(213) 740-5263
ccnmaininfo@ccnma.org
12. Kathryn Dettman Memorial Journalism Scholarship
Deadline: February 21st
In honor of a broadcast journalist who reported for the Associated Press Television and Radio Association in Los Angeles, the Kathryn Dettman Memorial Journalism Scholarship provides $1,500 annually to radio, television, and film majors in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Candidates must have at least sophomore-level standing, be pursuing a career in broadcast news, and exhibit strong academic achievement.
Contact
Kathryn Dettman Memorial Journalism Scholarship
221 South Figueroa Street Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-1200
chavlik@ap.org
Scholarship Link
13. Kermit and Mickey Schafer Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Established at the University of Miami’s School of Communications in honor of two distinguished radio/television/recording producers, the Kermit and Mickey Schafer Foundation Scholarship provides up to $2,000 annually to currently enrolled full-time undergraduate students with a major in broadcasting, motion picture, or video-film for pursuing a career in the field of comedy. Selection will be based on financial need, academic achievement, professional promise, and participation in the department’s activities.
Contact
Kermit and Mickey Schafer Foundation Scholarship
P.O. Box 248127
Coral Gables, FL 33124
(305) 284-5234
communication@miami.edu
14. Kodak Student Cinematography Scholarship Awards
Deadline: May 16th
Based solely on the quality of their cinematography skills, the Kodak Student Cinematography Scholarship Awards are presented annually for up to $5,000 to full-time upper-division students enrolled at a participating worldwide college with a major in film, film production, or cinematography. Nominees must submit a portfolio of their camera work, exhibit outstanding abilities in film production or general filmmaking, and provide a letter of support from an advisor.
Contact
Kodak Student Cinematography Scholarship Awards
2600 Manitou Road
Rochester, NY 14624
(585) 724-6751
michele.delano@kodak.com
15. Lawrence C. Albers Film Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
At the University of Southern Mississippi, the Lawrence C. Albers Film Scholarship is granted each year for up to $1,500 to a senior-level undergraduate student who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Entertainment Industry with a particular emphasis in film. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester at Gulf Park, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and demonstrate a potential for success in the film industry.
Contact
Lawrence C. Albers Film Scholarship
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
(601) 214-3289
usmstudentmediacenter@gmail.com
16. Lone Star Emmy Educational Student Scholarship
Deadline: June 16th
As an affiliate of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Lone Star Emmy Educational Foundation offers an annual scholarship for $2,500 to junior and senior-level students who have at least two academic semesters remaining at a Texas institution with a major in radio, television, and film or broadcast journalism. Candidates must be pursuing a career in the television industry, be in good standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit a three-page essay on ultimate career goals in television.
Contact
Lone Star Emmy Educational Student Scholarship
4805 Amon Carter Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76155
(214) 941-3669
info@lonestaremmy.org
Scholarship Link
17. Madeline Kahn Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
With the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University, the Madeline Kahn Endowed Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 to a deserving film or television major from an ethnic or cultural background that adds diversity to the school’s student population. For consideration, applicants must demonstrate economic need, academic achievement in major coursework, and outstanding potential for the film/television industries.
Contact
Madeline Kahn Endowed Memorial Scholarship
1000 Fulton Avenue
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6062
avfmam@hofstra.edu
18. Media Action Network for Asian Americans Scholarship
Deadline: September 18th
Designed to address the need for more professionals of Asian descent in the film and television industry to enlighten understanding of the Asian American experience within mainstream media, the Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA) offers a $1,000 annual scholarship to currently enrolled full-time college students pursuing a career in film or television production, excluding broadcast journalism. Applicants must submit official transcript, financial aid documents, two letters of recommendation, a work sample, and a 1,000-word essay.
Contact
Media Action Network for Asian Americans Scholarship
P.O. Box 11105
Burbank, CA 91510
(213) 486-4433
letters@manaa.org
19. Mike Reynolds Broadcast Journalism Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
Sponsored by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) in honor of the managing editor at KCCI-TV in Des Moines who died at the youthful age of 45 from a brain tumor, the Mike Reynolds Broadcast Journalism Scholarship provides $1,000 to radio, television, and film majors with a strong interest in electronic broadcast journalism. Eligible students must be at least sophomores, have one full academic year remaining, possess excellent grades, and express a dedication to the broadcast news business.
Contact
Mike Reynolds Broadcast Journalism Scholarship
529 14th Street NW Suite 1240
Washington, DC 20045
(202) 223-4007
karenh@rtdna.org
20. Mister Rogers Memorial Scholarship Program
Deadline: January 14th
In honor of the legacy of his daily children’s television program that celebrated imagination and play on PBS stations, the Mister Rogers Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually for $10,000 through the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation to graduate students majoring in television and film production to pursue a career in children’s media. In addition to the financial funding, recipients will be mentored by children’s programming professionals on the development of a new children’s media project during the academic year.
Contact
Mister Rogers Memorial Scholarship Program
5220 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 754-2800
faillace@emmys.org
21. Princess Grace Foundation Awards for Film
Deadline: June 1st
As a national program dedicated to assisting film artists at the outset of their careers, the Princess Grace Foundation Awards for Film provide between $7,500 and $30,000 to full-time graduate students in the United States who have completed at least one film as director in support of their thesis film projects. Candidates must submit a filmography, work sample chart, thesis project description, brief one-page artist statement, script, proposed budget, and a letter of nomination from a film department chairperson.
Contact
Princess Grace Foundation Awards for Film
150 East 58 Street 25th Floor
New York, NY 10155
(212) 317-1470
grants@pgfusa.org
Scholarship Link
22. Richard W. Bendicksen Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
Sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) as the national association for amateur radio and connecting hams nationwide, the Richard W. Bendicksen Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $2,000 to students with an active Amateur Radio License Class who are pursuing a radio/television/film major at any four-year U.S. institution. Funding can only be applied to tuition, textbooks, academic fees, and other educational expenses.
Contact
Richard W. Bendicksen Memorial Scholarship
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111
(860) 594-0397
foundation@arrl.org
23. Stephen L. Teller and Richard Hotson Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Through the National Council of Jewish Women/Los Angeles (NCJW/LA), the Stephen L. Teller and Richard Hotson Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 each year to a full-time student enrolled in a two-year community college with a film, television, or cinema major in preparation for a career in film and/or television production, not including acting. Male and female applicants must have completed at least 12 units of program coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact
Stephen L. Teller and Richard Hotson Scholarship
543 North Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 852-8515
amartino@fidmscholarship.org
24. Texas Radio, Television, and Film Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
In partnership with the Alamo Colleges Foundation, Texas Public Radio offers the Radio, Television, and Film Scholarship for $1,000 annually to students who are currently enrolled in the Radio-Television-Film program at San Antonio College in pursuit of an associate’s degree. Qualified applicants must be taking at least nine credits a semester, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and show satisfactory progress.
Contact
Texas Radio, Television, and Film Scholarship
8401 Datapoint Drive Suite 800
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 614-8977
wendy@tpr.org
Scholarship Link
25. Walter P. Deed Scholarship
Deadline: May 9th
At the University of North Texas, the Department of Radio, Television, and Film will present the Walter P. Deed Scholarship annually for up to $1,500 to support undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a major in Radio, Television, and Film full-time. Eligible students must demonstrate merit, determination, motivation, artistic talent, and professional promise with the means to complete their education in the study of broadcasting and cable.
Contact
Walter P. Deed Scholarship
1155 Union Circle
Mail Stop #310589
Denton, TX 76203
(940) 565-2537
Jacqueline.Vickery@unt.edu
While pursuing a major in radio, television, and film can be extremely fulfilling and lead to a lucrative salary potential down the road, the fact remains that earning a college degree with today’s rising tuition costs is expensive. Financial assistance from the federal government and student loans can reduce some of the burden, but most students must also find free scholarship funding to ensure debt does not limit prospects after graduation. Luckily, these are just 25 of the great scholarships for radio, television, and film majors available to help students reach for the stars in achieving their professional dreams in entertainment.
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