Kinight Wallace Fellowships for Journalists and the Livingston Awards at University of Michigan (Deadline: 1 December 2019 )

Kinight Wallace Fellowships for Journalists and the Livingston Awards at University of Michigan (Deadline: 1 December 2019 )

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

Each year we select up to 20 Fellows from all facets of journalism who are ready to take the next career step and join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

• 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 faculty at the University of Michigan to guide research.
• Private seminars with newsroom innovators and world-renowned experts 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 monthly from August 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. We 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. We do not consider full-time academics, public relations writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates, or those seeking a degree.

Choosing the Right 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.

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.

If you hold dual passports from the U.S. and another country, please email apply2kwf@umich.edu with details of your citizenships and name of your news organization and we will answer your questions.

Application Timeline

• December 1, 2019          International application deadline
• Mid-January, 2020         International Phase Two invitations extended
• Late-January, 2020        Interviews for international finalists
• February 1, 2020            U.S. application deadline
• February 7, 2020             U.S. reference letter deadline
• Mid-March, 2020            U.S. applicant finalists notified
• April 3 & 4, 2020             Interviews at Wallace House for U.S. finalists
• Late April/Early May      Fellowship offers extended

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.

Selection

Great care goes into assembling classes of Fellows that represent diversity of race, ethnicity, nationality, experience, journalism specialty, geographic region and type and size of news organizations. Typically, 12 Americans are joined by six to eight international colleagues. Selection is determined by a committee of distinguished journalists and University of Michigan faculty. U.S. finalists are interviewed at Wallace House in April. International finalists are interviewed by phone or video conference in February. Fellowships are awarded in late April or early May.

Specialized Fellowships

We accept up to 20 Fellows each year. U.S. applicants will be considered for our 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 our 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

U.S Applications Will be Available in the Fall

Applications for U.S. journalists (with U.S. passports) are due February 1, 2020. The application deadline for international journalists (without U.S. passports) is December 1, 2019.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY