Journalists from around the world interested and passionate about finding ways to address challenges facing journalism and journalists and those who aspire to be leaders who can help reimagine and transform journalism are invited apply for the John S. Knight (JSK) Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University in the United States.
Each year, the Fellowship brings up to 20 fellows from around the world together to work on ideas that address the most urgent problems facing journalism.
JSK Fellows spend nine months, September to June, on individual and collaborative projects to address these challenges. They also participate in special workshops and weekly events, explore the abundant resources on the Stanford campus and in Silicon Valley, and have the option of sitting in on classes.
To qualify for the Fellowship, prospective applicants must typically have at least seven years of full-time professional experience (for U.S. citizens) and at least five years of experience (for international applicants). Applicants with less experience but having outstanding achievements will be considered. No college degree is required
The professional background, applicants must be journalists employed by a news organization or freelancers; Journalism entrepreneurs and innovators; and Journalism business and management executives.
Persons working in public information or public relations jobs, for trade and house newsletters or magazines, for government agencies, or in academic positions are not eligible to apply. A prospective applicant who has questions or need clarification should email jskfellowships@stanford.edu.
Applicants are expected to propose a project focused on addressing some aspect of what the JFK Fellowship believes are the most urgent problems facing journalism including: Challenging Misinformation and Disinformation; Holding the Powerful Accountable; Eradicating News Deserts and Strengthening Local News; and Fighting Bias, Intolerance and Injustice.
The organisers expect that JSK Fellows will explore a range of issues in pursuing their projects, such as audience engagement, data science and new business models, and that they may leverage technology of all kinds, including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
Applicants can find tips for completing an application online at https://jsk.stanford.edu/become-a-fellow/applying-for-a-fellowship/#tips
JSK Fellows get several financial benefits, including a stipend of $85,000; provision of an additional supplement for fellows with children; cost of Stanford tuition and Stanford health care are covered for fellows, spouses and children; and they are also assisted to find housing.
They also enjoy other benefits including:
- Access to some of the world’s most innovative thinkers and organizations, from technology giants to hot new startups to Stanford’s 100-plus special institutes and centers.
- Opportunities to join classes taught by top Stanford professors and instructors in a wide range of specialties. It is common for classes to be taught by people who also work in the vanguard of their fields in the private sector.
- A rich intellectual and cultural campus life, including live theater, music and dance performances and special lectures and events.
- Fellowship social events where everyone can get to know one another.
- Spouses and partners are eligible to take some classes and attend many fellowship seminars. Fellows’ children attend excellent Palo Alto-area schools and are included in some fellowship social activities.
- Exposure to the incredible diversity of world views, experiences and cultural traditions that fellows from all over the world bring to the program.
- New friendships, professional connections and entrepreneurial skills that will continue beyond the 10 months fellows spend at Stanford.
The JSK Journalism Fellowships will begin accepting applications for the 2020-21 Fellowships from October 15, 2019 till December 4, 2019, 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time, for international fellowships and January 30, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time, for U.S. applicants.
JSK Fellowship application comprises of five elements: application form, one-minute selfie video, three recommendation letters, three work samples and a resume.
To apply, please go to jsk.smapply.org.
