Interested in issues that are under-reported in mainstream American media? Going abroad this summer to South Asia, the Middle East or North Africa (MENA region)? Apply to be an International Reporting Student Fellow!
Go deeper in your Penn global education by becoming a student journalist for the Pulitzer Center, a leading journalism organization with deep experience covering global issues. Previous journalism experience is not a requirement but an open mind and a willingness to write, photograph and/or create videos on under reported international issues is necessary. Pulitzer Center editors will work closely with the fellows on storytelling strategies, reporting methods and travel logistics. The fellows will participate in a Pulitzer Center conducted workshop before leaving as well as mentorship and editorial support in the field.
The two winning fellows, one focused on South Asia and one on the Middle East, will complete news articles, short videos, slideshows or other media products, with editorial support and mentorship. In addition to helping illuminate another part of the world for the Penn community and beyond, the fellows’ work will be published on the Pulitzer Center site and possibly other outlets. The fellows will also be expected to participate in outreach efforts for the South Asia Center or Middle East Center upon return to campus.
The winning fellows will receive $1,000 upon completion of the deliverables, plus invaluable editorial support and mentorship.
The fellowship program is the result of collaboration between the South Asia Centerand Middle East Center at the University of Pennsylvania and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
Applicants should be committed to taking on the role of a journalist for the course of the fellowship. This means asking questions and going deeper into stories. To get a handle on the differences between journalism and advocacy or public relations, please read the Pulitzer Center’s Ethics and Standards Policy.
Who
Any Penn student who is going to South Asia, the Middle East or North Africa (MENA region) over the summer of 2017 is welcome to apply.
Where
The reporting project can take place anywhere in the Middle East or North Africa (MENA region.
When
The 2017 application deadline 11:59PM Monday, March 27th, 2017.
The fellows will be selected and announced within 2 weeks of deadline date. The fellows will be expected to complete work associated with the fellowship by the end of August 2017.
How
The fellows will be expected to produce several media pieces such as blog posts for the Pulitzer Center website, articles, video and/or slideshows. The fellows will work with Pulitzer Center editors to determine a set of deliverables for the project appropriate to the fellow’s past experience. The Center will provide technical and editorial support through the planning, reporting, and writing/production phases of the fellowship.
The strongest applications will identify an untold story and present a clear, succinct plan for telling that story. Take a look at past reporting on the Pulitzer Center's site to get an idea of how journalists pitch their projects and to avoid pitching a story idea that has already been covered.
Representatives of the South Asia Center and Middle East Center at Penn and the Pulitzer Center will evaluate applications and choose the fellow. If you have questions about the grant or the Pulitzer Center, please contact Lauren Shepherd at lshepherd@pulitzercenter.org.
To apply, download the application form and follow the instructions no later than 11:59PM Monday, March 27th, 2017. Download application here.