Rhode Island PBS Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Rhode Island Foundation

Overview
The Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio Scholarship, established in 2017, supports students who show clear promise for careers in broadcasting, communications, or journalism. It is intended for residents within the station’s market area (see eligibility below) who are pursuing a four‑year college education.

Who is eligible
- Residents of Rhode Island or Bristol County, Massachusetts (the station’s demographic market area).
- A graduating high school senior planning to attend an accredited 4‑year college or a student currently enrolled in an accredited 4‑year college.
- Applicants must demonstrate merit and clear potential for a successful career in broadcasting, communications, and/or journalism.
- Current employees of Rhode Island PBS or The Public’s Radio — and their children or other immediate family members — are not eligible.
- Past recipients may reapply.

Award details
- Awards of up to $15,000 are given annually.
- Awards are renewable for an additional three years (the initial award year plus up to three renewals).

What the selection committee looks for
- Demonstrated talent, commitment, and potential for a career in broadcasting, communications, or journalism.
- Residency in the service area.
- Evidence that the scholarship will make a meaningful difference to the student’s educational plans (see financial‑need documentation below).
- At least one recommendation from a teacher or a professional who can speak to the applicant’s promise in the relevant fields.

Complete application checklist
Be sure your application package includes all of the following:
- Completed online application form.
- Most recent high school or college transcript.
- Evidence of financial need — information about your family’s financial resources and projected educational expenses showing how the scholarship would meaningfully affect your plans.
- Scholarship résumé worksheet.
- Recommendation letter from a teacher or a professional in communications, broadcasting, and/or journalism.

A quick piece of practical advice (from a teacher)
Ask your recommender to give specific examples of work, skills, or experiences that show your readiness for a communications/journalism/broadcasting career. For the financial‑need statement, be honest and concrete about expenses and how support will help you participate fully in your program. Those details make a committee’s decision easier.

If you want, I can help you draft the application narrative or review your résumé worksheet and recommendation request.