The Poynter Institute and the Online News Association have announced a partnership to create the ONA-Poynter Leadership Academy for Women in Digital Media.
The academy, which will be held at Poynter in April of next year, is tuition-free, according to a press release, and “ONA and Poynter are seeking seed funding from media and technology companies, foundations and academic institutions to keep this transformative learning experience tuition-free.”
Twenty five women will be chosen for the four and a half day program. Applications will be accepted starting in January.
“We want to strengthen the pipeline and encourage open, candid discussion and networking, so women walk away with not only strong skills, but a built-in support system,” said Jane McDonnell, ONA’s executive director, in the press release.
Poynter’s president, Tim Franklin, said in the press release that Poynter recognizes that there are too few women in leadership roles. “Our goal with ONA is to increase the opportunities for women and to grow their numbers in leadership positions.”