Hey future journalism rockstar! Ever dreamed of taking a step back from the daily grind, diving deep into your craft, and reimagining the future of journalism? Well, listen up because the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University could be your golden ticket!
This isn’t just any fellowship; it’s a phenomenal opportunity for journalists worldwide, including those from South Africa, to spend nine months at the prestigious Stanford University in the USA. Imagine having the time and resources to explore new ideas, experiment with groundbreaking approaches, and develop the leadership skills needed to strengthen journalism’s vital role in our communities. It’s about becoming a more effective, purposeful, and resilient leader in our ever-changing media landscape.
Who Can Apply?
The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships are looking for passionate journalists with a minimum of five years of professional work experience. Don’t worry if you don’t have a college degree or traditional newsroom experience – they welcome diverse backgrounds! What truly matters is that the majority of your work is in journalism. So, whether you’re working in a news organisation, an independent journalist, an entrepreneur, a strategist, or an innovator, you could be a perfect fit!
However, this program isn’t designed for everyone. It’s not for:
- Individuals seeking a degree.
- Those primarily working in public information or public relations.
- Professionals producing in-house or industry communications.
- Employees of government agencies.
- Full-time academics.
Also, please note: this fellowship doesn’t support book or reporting projects, nor is it a start-up accelerator.
What Does It Cover?
Get ready for some serious perks! As a John S. Knight Fellow, you’ll receive a comprehensive package designed to let you focus entirely on your fellowship journey:
- Individual Coaching: Get personalized guidance and workshops to boost your leadership, resilience, and adaptability.
- Cohort Experience: Be part of a carefully designed group that fosters genuine connections, collaboration, and peer learning.
- Stanford Access: Enjoy the freedom to explore Stanford’s incredible academic and creative offerings.
- Global Network: Gain lifelong access to the JSK alumni network for ongoing support and inspiration.
- Generous Stipend: A fantastic stipend of $130,000 (that’s roughly R2.4 million!) for the nine-month fellowship.
- Health & Tuition: Stanford tuition and health insurance for fellows, plus a health supplement if your dependents are enrolled in Stanford coverage.
- Settling In Support: Advice on finding rental housing and practical tips for you and your family to settle comfortably in the Stanford area.
Remember, being a JSK Fellow is a full-time commitment. You’ll be expected to be in residence at Stanford from September through May, dedicate yourself fully, participate in weekly meetings and coaching, and collaborate respectfully with people from all backgrounds.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump into this amazing opportunity? The application process is designed to be straightforward, helping the committee understand who you are and what you hope to achieve:
- Register: Create an account on their application platform, SurveyMonkey Apply.
- Profile Questions: Answer a few questions to determine if you qualify for the U.S. or international fellowship.
- Online Application Form: Complete the detailed form about your career, what you’d bring to the JSK cohort, and how the fellowship aligns with your goals.
- Submit Supporting Materials:
- A one-minute selfie video explaining what you envision yourself doing in journalism three to five years from now.
- Your updated resume.
- One work sample that showcases your abilities.
- Contact information for three professional references.
- AI Disclosure: Be transparent about any use of artificial intelligence tools in preparing your application – there’s a dedicated section for this.
For even more detailed information and to start your application, head over to their official website:
Visit the Official Webpage of the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships
If this sounds like the perfect next step for your journalism career, don’t wait — the deadline is approaching! Apply now and keep exploring more incredible opportunities on Bursaries Room!
