BFOA Expands College Scholarship Program

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 6:47pm CT

Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA)

The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has announced an expansion of its needs-based College Scholarship Program, opening eligibility to students pursuing careers in radio and television regardless of whether they come from a broadcasting family.

The expansion comes less than six months after the program's introduction and increases the number of annual scholarships from one to seven, with a combined value of $25,000.

Under the revised program, the Foundation will continue offering its original $10,000 scholarship to a qualifying student from a broadcasting family while adding six annual scholarships of $2,500 each. The new awards will be available to students who meet the program's academic and financial requirements, regardless of family connections to the broadcasting industry.

"The future of broadcasting depends on attracting talented, creative people with fresh ideas and a passion for our industry," said BFOA President Tim McCarthy. "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."

McCarthy said the expanded program reflects the Foundation's commitment to developing future broadcasting professionals by making educational assistance available to a broader group of students.

BFOA Chair Scott Herman said the scholarship initiative represents an extension of the organization's longstanding mission of assisting broadcasters facing financial hardships. "For decades, the Broadcasters Foundation has been committed to helping members of our industry through life's most difficult challenges," Herman said. "Supporting the next generation of broadcasters is a natural outgrowth of that commitment."

Herman added that investing in students pursuing broadcasting careers will help strengthen the industry's future while providing opportunities for talented individuals who might otherwise face financial barriers.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America provides financial assistance to radio and television professionals and their families during times of critical need.

Applications for the expanded College Scholarship Program will open in early spring 2027.