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| Download the Fellowship Application [PDF] |
Want to get a better job in journalism? Then
Poynter Institute has a suggestion: Team up with the best young
journalists in the country. Become skilled in the craft of journalism.
Make connections that will last a lifetime. And work toward landing a
great job.
We’re looking for graduates in journalism, the liberal arts, and
graphic or visual design who will become leaders in tomorrow’s
newsrooms — people with talent and the drive to succeed. Only 16
students will be selected for each program.
The six-week summer program at Poynter will teach you the
skills you need to become a better writer, designer, or
photojournalist. Poynter’s program has been an important stepping stone
for many of today’s best journalists. Over the years, all of the past
participants who wanted to work in journalism got jobs in the industry.
FAQ on Poynter’s summer program for recent college graduates.
1. Why should I come to Poynter instead of heading straight into the job market?
The Poynter Institute’s summer program is like a finishing school
for journalists. Although, on some days boot camp might be a better
description. Regardless of your skill level when you start the program,
you’ll leave as a much stronger journalist — your skills will have
been bumped up a notch or two. While you’re here, you’ll gain access to
a network of aspiring and accomplished journalists. You’ll meet people
who do the hiring in newsrooms and people who can get you hired. The
summer program begins with a crash course on covering communities and
it ends with a full day of interviews with newsroom recruiters looking
to hire designers, photographers, and reporters.
We’ll introduce you to the fundamentals of good journalism in the
first week, covering ethics, collaboration, and diversity. The next
five weeks will be spent covering geographic beats around St.
Petersburg while being coached by some of the top journalists in the
industry.
2. Will my work be published?
Yes. Participants spend at least half of their time documenting life
in the surrounding communities and producing stories and designs that
are published online. Check out work from previous years’ participants (check out the left rail of the summer program homepage).
3. Am I guaranteed a job?
Not exactly. But you’ll be head and shoulders above the rest of your
graduating class. Recent graduates of this program are working at
Gannett News Service, the Miami Herald, the Houston Chronicle, The Des Moines Register, The New Republic, the Battle Creek (Mich.) Enquirer, The Spokesman-Review (in Spokane, Wash.), the Post Register
(Idaho Falls, Idaho), and many other newsrooms. Most of our graduates
who want to work in newsrooms get jobs within a few months of leaving
Poynter.
4. What qualities do you look for in an applicant?
Passion, versatility, and an ability to collaborate. The most
important parts of your application package are your work samples and
your essay. You must be a recent college graduate with the intention of
working in a newsroom to qualify for this program.
5. How much does this cost?
Tuition, which includes housing, is $3,000.
6. Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, a limited number of scholarships are available. If we agree you
are right for this program and you qualify for scholarship support,
we’ll find a way to help you afford tuition and housing. If you need a
scholarship, please include the scholarship application with your fellowship application.
7. When will I know whether I’m selected?
By early December, we plan to narrow the applicants to a list of
finalists. We will interview the finalists by phone, and, by the first
of the year, select the participants and alternates for the program.
8. Where do participants live during the program?
Housing will likely be single dorm rooms at Eckerd College in St.
Petersburg. Residential rooms are grouped four to a suite, with a
common living area and kitchenette. Each individual student room has a
private bathroom and shower.
Here is a link to more information about the dorms, called the Nu Complex, at Eckerd College.
Eckerd will provide basic furniture, including twin beds. Each suite
has a refrigerator. Eckerd will also provide basic cable hookups.
Bedding and towels are available for a small fee (though you might want
to bring your own).
You and your suitemates will be responsible for televisions, a telephone, microwave and toaster ovens, etc.
9. May I arrange my own housing?
Yes, but it doesn’t lower the cost of the tuition.
10. Do I need a car?
A car is very helpful but not required. You will have to make your
way around your beat. In the past, participants have made do with
bicycles and public transportation.
11. What equipment do I need?
We work in a digital environment. If you have a digital camera,
bring it. If you are a photographer, bring whatever you have. If you
have a laptop, that comes in handy, too. We will have some pool camera
equipment available.
12. What other expenses should I expect?
Participants are responsible for their travel to St. Petersburg, gas
for their cars, most of their meals, personal needs, and entertainment.
13. Okay, you’ve sold me on the program. Where can I apply?
You can download a PDF of the application form here.
If you would like to see a Web site put together by former program participants, click here.
