The Broadcasters Foundation of America has awarded the first two scholarships in its new needs-based Scholarship Fund to Marquette University’s Nathaniel Bradley and Boston University’s Inoa Manfredy, extending the nonprofit’s mission beyond emergency aid.
The fund was created to support broadcast students who come from broadcast families, awarding $10,000 to each recipient for college tuition. Applicants must be studying broadcasting, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
Broadcasters Foundation President Tim McCarthy said, “This initiative reflects the BFOA’s growing commitment to strengthening the future of the radio and television industries by investing directly in the next generation of broadcasters. We could not be happier with our first two recipients, both of whom received glowing recommendations from their professors. Nathaniel and Inoa exemplify the caliber of communications students we want to attract to broadcast radio and television.”
Bradley, a Sports Communication junior at Marquette University, submitted this reflection with his application: “While some kids obsess over action heroes and movie characters, I was watching sportscasters and feeding off the excitement and energy they conveyed. I began to read everything about organizations, teams, stadiums, and practically every major athlete’s unique story. I’m empowered by athletics and stories of personal sacrifice, perseverance, and championships. In my pursuit of journalism, I will continue to tell these stories.”
Manfredy, a junior at Boston University studying communications and political science, wrote, “I was born to tell stories. To sit with a stranger, listen to their life, and give a voice to those who, for whatever reason, have not been heard. Receiving this scholarship would be an important step toward making my dreams possible. Thank you for giving students like me the opportunity to turn our dreams into something real.”
The Scholarship Fund extends a mission the Foundation has pursued for more than 50 years, primarily through emergency grants to radio and television professionals facing illness, accident, or disaster. The BFOA has also grown its outreach to younger broadcasters through its Media Mixer series, connecting emerging professionals with industry executives in cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and, most recently, Cleveland.
Students interested in applying, as well as broadcasters interested in supporting the Foundation’s work, can find more information through the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s website.
