Apply Now: Fully Funded CNN Academy ‘Voices from the South’ Storytelling Program

CNN Academy is now accepting functions for its groundbreaking media coaching program, Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact. This initiative is designed to empower the subsequent era of journalists from the Global South to inform pressing, human-centered tales that affect consciousness, accountability, and motion in world well being.

Why This Program Matters

The world is grappling with advanced well being emergencies, from illness outbreaks to the far-reaching results of humanitarian crises. These points demand storytelling that isn’t solely correct but in addition deeply rooted in native realities. However, many areas at the middle of those challenges—notably in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean—stay underrepresented in world media.

CNN Academy, with help from the Gates Foundation, is addressing this hole by coaching and supporting early-career journalists and content material creators from the Global South. The program focuses on serving to individuals report impactful tales that mirror the well being, cultural, and political dynamics of their communities.

Program Overview

Phase One: Virtual Training (July to October 1, 2025)

During this on-line part, individuals will full a collection of expert-led programs on the CNN Academy Hub. These programs are designed to construct storytelling abilities, strengthen journalistic ethics, and deepen understanding of worldwide well being and improvement points.

To progress to Phase Two, individuals should full all programs, earn the required badges, and submit a narrative pitch reflecting the abilities and data gained.

Phase Two: In-Person Training and Simulation (November 2025, Abu Dhabi)

Selected individuals will journey to Abu Dhabi for immersive, in-person coaching. This part consists of hands-on workshops targeted on cellular journalism and real-time information reporting. Participants may even take part in the 2025 CNN Academy Simulation, centered on world well being reporting.

CNN Academy will cowl all journey and lodging prices related to this part.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following necessities:

• Reside and work in a rustic situated in the Global South, together with nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific

• Be an early-career journalist, storyteller, or content material creator

• Have a portfolio of related work in media or storytelling

• Demonstrate fluency in spoken and written English

• Show a robust dedication to finishing the full program and making use of the acquired abilities

• Be in a position and prepared to journey to Abu Dhabi in November 2025

Application Deadline: June 23, 2025

Applicants should full a brief on-line kind verifying their eligibility and describing their motivation for making use of. Successful candidates will likely be granted entry to Phase One of the program.

To be thought-about for Phase Two, candidates might want to submit:

Final Story Submission and Global Exposure

Upon completion of the simulation, individuals will return to their home nations and produce their last story. These tales have to be submitted by January 31, 2026. A choose variety of excellent items will likely be featured on CNN’s digital and broadcast platforms, providing world publicity for rising journalists.

About the Program

The CNN Academy Voices from the South program is made potential via funding from the Gates Foundation. It seeks to create a extra inclusive and consultant world media panorama by equipping rising voices with the instruments and coaching to inform impactful tales that drive change.

If you’re able to elevate your storytelling and make a significant impression, apply earlier than the deadline on June 23, 2025.