University of Michigan Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship for Journalists 2020/21

Deadline: December 1, 2019 (International journalists) / February 1, 2020 (US journalists)

Applications are invited for the University of Michigan Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship for Journalists 2020/21. A Knight-Wallace Fellowship recognizes accomplished journalists who are eager for growth and deeply committed to the future of journalism. They offer a unique opportunity: an academic year of study and collaborative learning at the University of Michigan to deepen knowledge, develop new ideas, and address challenges facing the journalism industry.

Specialized Fellowships

They accept up to 20 Fellows each year. U.S. applicants will be considered for the specialized fellowships but should not force their study plans to fit one of the categories. If your work and/or study plan aligns with one of these dedicated fellowships, the selection committee will take that alignment into consideration.

Specialized fellowships:

• Burton R. Benjamin Fellowship: Broadcast Journalism
• Daniel B. Burke Fellowship : General Studies
• Ford Fellowship: Transportation, Technology, Environment
• Benny Friedman Fellowship: Sports Journalism
• Knight Specialty Fellowships: Business, Education, Law, Medicine, Information and Technology, News Innovation
• Karsten Prager Fellowship: International Reporting
• William C. Richardson Fellowship: Public Policy, Philanthropy
• Time-Warner Fellowship: Newsroom Diversity
• Mike Wallace Fellowship: Investigative Reporting

Benefits

Each year they select up to 20 Fellows for a life-changing experience.

• Eight-month program of immersive study away from daily deadlines.
• Individual study plans designed to develop topical depth, practical skills and broader perspectives.
• Specialized resources and experts at the University of Michigan to guide research.
• Private Seminars with visiting journalists, scholars and innovators for candid, off-the-record conversations.
• Workshops to sharpen your writing, technical skills and leadership ability.
• International Travel to bring context to the political, economic and social forces shaping news coverage.
• $75,000 stipend – distributed as $8,750 monthly – from September through April for living expenses.  All tuition and course fees are paid for by the fellowship. All fellowship trips – domestic and international – are covered. If the Fellow’s employer does not contribute to insurance coverage, health insurance is provided.
• Spouses and partners are invited to partake in fellowship activities and can audit university courses as well.

Eligibility

• Qualified applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience and be currently working in some aspect of journalism for a news organization or as an independent journalist.
• They are looking for a diverse range of journalists including reporters, editors, data experts, visual journalists, audio producers, engagement specialists, designers, developers, entrepreneurs and organizational change agents.
• If you are not a full-time journalist, the majority of your work should be in journalism.
• They do not consider full-time academics, public relations writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates, or those seeking a degree.

Terms

All fellows must agree not to work, either in their current job or other paid assignments, maintain residency in Ann Arbor for the duration of the fellowship and attend all program seminars and events. Applicants working in a newsroom are encouraged to obtain employer consent granting a leave of absence with the understanding that, upon completion of the fellowship and where applicable, the fellow will return to their place of employment.

Application

• U.S. applicants – If you are a U.S. citizen, apply as a U.S. applicant even if you work in another country or for a non – U.S.  journalism entity. Applications for American journalists (with U.S. passports) are due on February 1, 2019. Applications open on October 1.
• International applicants – If you are a not a U.S. citizen, apply as an international applicant even if you work in the United States or for an American journalism entity. A Green Card is not the same as citizenship. Applications for international journalists (without U.S. passports) are due on December 1, 2019.

If you hold dual passports from the U.S. and another country, please email [email protected] with details of your citizenships and name of your news organization and we will answer your questions.

To apply, read the FAQs and review:

Information for U.S. Applicants
Information for International Applicants

For more information, visit Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship.