Pete Wilson Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Radio Television Digital News Foundation
Overview
The Pete Wilson Journalism Scholarship honors the memory of Pete Wilson, a longtime television and radio journalist in San Francisco. Created in 2007, the award supports undergraduate or graduate students connected to the San Francisco Bay Area who demonstrate a commitment to ethical, responsible journalism.
Important dates
- October 16, 2025: Online applications open.
- November 14, 2025: Application deadline (all materials must be submitted by this date).
- December 2025: Scholarship recipients will be notified.
- March 12, 2026: Recipients are expected to attend RTDNA’s First Amendment Awards event in Washington, D.C.
Award
- Amount: $2,000
- Additional benefit: Invitation to the RTDNA conference (attendance at the March 12, 2026 First Amendment Awards event in Washington, D.C., is required).
Who is eligible
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate journalism student who is from the San Francisco Bay Area or enrolled at a college or university in the Bay Area.
- Winners must intend to continue their undergraduate or graduate studies in the upcoming Fall semester to remain eligible.
- Note: A student may not receive the same scholarship more than once, although past recipients may later receive a Fellowship.
How to apply
Submit the online application (available beginning October 16, 2025) and include the following:
Application form
- Contact information.
- Summary of relevant experience.
Work samples (provide URL links to 3–5 pieces)
- Samples should be broadcast (television or radio) or online news pieces.
- Upload each sample to a public hosting site such as YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, or a similar platform, and include the links in the application.
Supplemental documents (uploaded with your application)
- Cover letter that:
- Summarizes your current and past journalism experience.
- Explains how you would use the scholarship funds.
- Describes your reasons for pursuing a career in journalism.
- Resume.
- One letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or workplace supervisor.
Checklist before submission
- Confirm all parts of the online form are complete.
- Verify 3–5 sample links are accessible and playable on the hosting site.
- Upload cover letter, resume, and recommendation letter.
- Submit everything by November 14, 2025.
Questions
For application access or questions, use the program’s online portal or contact the scholarship administrators through the RTDNA website (contact details on the application page).