DEADLINE: July 14, 2022
Apply now for the MJ Bear Fellowship 2022. This fellowship is designed for up-and-coming journalists between the ages of 23 and 30 who are just beginning to make their voices heard in the industry and who are working to expand the boundaries of digital news through ongoing creative and innovative projects.
MJ Bear Fellowship is a one-year fellowship which identifies and supports digital journalists whose work represents the best of digital news. This year six fellows will be selected. The journalism project is an important part of the application.
It needs to be something already started — not just an idea or a concept. We need to see something we can review.
It does not have to be a completed project; indeed, those that focus on breaking news are going to be ongoing. It does need to be a project started on or after Jan. 1, 2021. The reason for the date is that it needs to be current — not something done two years ago as a graduate student thesis.
The project needs to show creativity and innovation. Themes for projects may include:
•            Audience and social engagement,
•            Product development.
•            Digital or business strategy.
You should explain how your strategy moves digital journalism forward or provides valuable lessons or outcomes.
Application:
The application has five parts.. Any links you provide as part of the application must be public — with no password required.
Section 1: Contact Information, Resume and Photo
Provide name, date of birth, address, email, phone number, relevant online presences, photo and resume.
Section 2: Project, Experiment, Concept
Provide a description of and link to your digital journalism experiment or project,
- It should be either ongoing or started after Jan. 1, 2021.
- You should specify your role — whether you were the sole creator or a member of a team.
- The project should be more than a concept or idea; it should be far enough along to show substantial progress.
Section 3: Testimonial / Recommendation
An employer, instructor or technology partner will be asked to fill out a recommendation form affirming the candidate as a standout young digital journalist.
Section 4: Personal Statement or Presentation
Tell us about yourself in a personal statement or a multimedia presentation. Video presentations are strongly encouraged.
Section 5: Professional Coaching
Fellows will receive three group coaching sessions with leaders in digital journalism who offer practical advice and guidance.
Sessions are based on what Fellows need most to advance their projects and their careers.
Eligibility:
Applicants in 2022 must meet the following requirements at the time of application:
- Born between June 26, 1992 and June 25, 1999
- Be a working digital journalist (either for an organization or self-employed); ONA encourages freelancers and journalists from diverse backgrounds to apply.
- Be fluent in English (Applications and all submitted materials must be in English).
- The fellowship is not open to full-time students, undergraduate or graduate. It is open to part-time students as long as they also are working, either for an organization or are self-employed.
- Must be involved in a digital journalism project.
Benefits :
- Registration to the Online News Association Conference
- Recognition and networking opportunities at the ONA conference
- Three online coaching sessions
- ONA membership, with three years dues paid in full.
