Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Radio Television Digital News Foundation
Overview
Description: The Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in sports journalism and reflect the professional values of Louis F. Prato. The scholarship honors Prato’s long service to RTDNA and the RTDNA Foundation. It supports students pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism with a focus on sports reporting. The award also connects recipients with industry professionals through an invitation to events in Washington, D.C.
- Supports sports journalism students in broadcast and digital media.
- Established to honor Louis F. Prato’s service to RTDNA and the Foundation.
- Includes professional development opportunities in addition to financial support.
Eligibility
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S.-based students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors when the scholarship is awarded and who are pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. Eligibility extends to students and professionals studying or working in the United States. A student may not receive the same scholarship more than once, though receiving a fellowship at a later time is permitted. Applicants should ensure they meet all listed criteria before applying.
- Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in journalism-related programs.
- Applicants must be studying or working in the United States.
- Previous recipients of this scholarship are not eligible to receive it again.
Award Value
Award Value: The recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship and an invitation to Washington, D.C. as part of the award. Recipients are invited to attend the RTDNA Foundation’s First Amendment Awards and a day of professional development and networking with industry leaders. RTDNA covers travel and lodging costs associated with the Washington, D.C. invitation. The financial award is intended to support the recipient’s journalism education and professional growth.
- $1,000 monetary award to the recipient.
- Invitation to events and trainings in Washington, D.C.
- Travel and lodging for the D.C. visit are covered by RTDNA.
Application Timeline
Application Timeline: Applications for the scholarship open in September 2026 and are due in October 2026. Recipients will be notified in December 2026. In March 2027, selected recipients will be invited to Washington, D.C. to attend the First Amendment Awards and participate in a professional development and networking program. Applicants should plan to meet all deadlines and be available for the March events if selected.
- Applications open: September 2026.
- Applications due: October 2026.
- Recipients notified: December 2026; D.C. visit in March 2027.
How to Apply
How to Apply: Submit the online application form with contact information, a summary of experience, and URL links to 3–5 work samples that are broadcast or online news pieces hosted on sites like YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud. Upload a cover letter that discusses current and past journalism experience, how you intend to use the funds, and why you chose journalism; include a resume and a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or supervisor. Only one scholarship or fellowship application may be submitted per individual; submitting multiple applications will result in disqualification. Follow the application instructions carefully to ensure all required materials are provided.
- Provide contact details, experience, and 3–5 work samples (broadcast or online).
- Upload a cover letter, resume, and one letter of recommendation.
- One application per person—multiple submissions lead to disqualification.
History of the Award
History of the Award: The scholarship was established in 2001 to honor Lou F. Prato’s contributions to RTDNA and the RTDNA Foundation and his commitment to journalistic excellence. Lou Prato served more than 30 years with RTDNA and the RTDNA Foundation, including roles as secretary of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and treasurer of the RTDNA Board of Directors. He worked as a sports broadcaster, news director, and journalism professor, authored books on Penn State football, and directed the Penn State All Sports Museum. Lou Prato passed away in February 2025, and the scholarship continues to reflect his dedication to sports journalism and education.
- Founded in 2001 to honor Louis F. Prato’s service and values.
- Prato held long-standing leadership roles within RTDNA organizations.
- The award preserves his legacy in sports journalism education and mentorship.