Radio’s talent pipeline is getting a financial boost aimed at students who might never have considered the industry. Now the Broadcasters Foundation of America is expanding its scholarships to reach beyond the families of people already working in the industry.
The revised eligibility requirements for the BFOA College Scholarship Program widen the pool to aspiring broadcasters who meet the academic and financial criteria, whatever their family’s connection to the industry. In addition to the original $10,000 scholarship for a qualifying student from a broadcast family, BFOA will award six new scholarships of $2,500 each annually. That brings the total to seven scholarships and $25,000 in annual awards.
The change comes less than six months after the needs-based program began. Candidates can apply in early spring of 2027.
BFOA President Tim McCarthy said, “The future of broadcasting depends on attracting talented, creative people with fresh ideas and a passion for our industry. We want to make sure that financial circumstances or family background don’t stand in the way of a promising student pursuing a career in radio or television. By broadening our scholarship program, we’re opening the door to more members of the next generation of broadcasters and investing in the future of our industry.”
BFOA Chair Scott Herman said, “For decades, the Broadcasters Foundation has been committed to helping members of our industry through life’s most difficult challenges. Supporting the next generation of broadcasters is a natural outgrowth of that commitment. By investing in students pursuing careers in radio and television, we’re helping build a stronger future for our industry while ensuring that talented individuals have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their family background.”
