Tell the story only you can tell.
A $2,000 scholarship for veterans, service members, and their children who are building a career in journalism, media, and communications.
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Two Rhode Island institutions, one open microphone.
Operation Stand Down Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Radio and Television Hall of Fame are backing the next generation of storytellers who come from the military community. One winner receives the award and an invitation to the Hall of Fame induction dinner.
If you served, or your family did, this is for you.
You served
A veteran, or a current member of the active, Guard, or Reserve components.
Your parent served
The dependent child of a veteran or current service member.
Army 
Navy 
Air Force 
Marines 
Coast Guard 
Space Force
And you are pursuing a college degree in journalism, media, or a closely related field. You must be a Rhode Island resident, though your college can be located anywhere.
Answer ONE question.
Your way.
Choose one of the three prompts below and respond with a written essay of 750 to 1,000 words, or a video of about two minutes.
Military service is built on integrity, service, accountability, and sacrifice. Journalism is built on truth, transparency, and public trust. How has your experience as a veteran or military family member shaped your understanding of these values, and how will you apply them in a career in journalism, media, or communications?
Veterans and military families often have perspectives and stories that are underrepresented or misunderstood. How do you hope to use a career in journalism, media, or communications to improve public understanding of military service, veterans' issues, or the communities you care about?
The most impactful journalism tells stories that inform, inspire, and create understanding. Describe a military experience, your own or a family member's, that changed your view on the importance of accurate storytelling. How will it influence your future in journalism or media?
Pick one. Essay or video, not both.
What you will need.
If you served
- 1Proof of service: your DD-214, or a photo of your current military ID card.
- 2Proof that you are enrolled in or accepted to a college program.
- 3Your essay, or a link to your video.
If your parent served
- 1Proof of your parent or guardian's service: their DD-214, or current military ID.
- 2Your high school or college transcript.
- 3Your essay, or a link to your video.
Two ways in. Both reviewed the same.
Apply online
Fill out the form below. Upload your documents, paste your video link or write your essay, and submit. You will get an email confirmation.
Apply by email
Send your materials to [address pending] with the subject line RIRTVHOF Scholarship Application. Keep that subject line as it is, it is how your email reaches the right place. Include your details, your documents, and your essay or video link.
Start your application.
Takes about 15 minutes. Gather your documents first.
Mark the calendar.
Works with Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, Outlook and most phone calendar apps. You will get a reminder two weeks and three days before applications close.
Questions.
Do I have to live in Rhode Island?
Yes. The applicant must be a Rhode Island resident. Your college can be anywhere in the country.
Does my college have to be in Rhode Island?
No. There is no restriction on where your college is located.
What counts as a closely related field?
Communications, broadcasting, film, digital media, public relations, and similar programs. If you are unsure, apply and tell us about your program.
Essay or video?
Your choice. Do one, not both. Written essays run 750 to 1,000 words; videos run about two minutes.
How is my information handled?
Your materials are used only to review your application, stored securely, and not shared outside OSDRI and the scholarship reviewers. Non-winning materials are deleted after the cycle ends.