Deadline: October 12, 2020
Applications are open for the IRE Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship 2020. The program is intended to prepare and support a journalist of color for a solid career in investigative reporting. The program also provides an opportunity for the fellow’s news outlets to benefit from the fellow’s investigative skill-building.
The goal of the program is to increase the range of backgrounds, experiences and interests within the field of investigative journalism, where diverse perspectives are critically important. The fellowship is made possible by the generosity of IRE donors, ABC News, CNN, ESPN, Gray TV and the Hearst Foundations.
Responsibilities
The fellow would:
- Obtain employer support
- Develop an investigative reporting project that benefits his/her community
- Attend an IRE data journalism bootcamp (dates are TBD)
- Attend the NICAR conference (March 4-7, 2021)
- Attend the IRE conference (June 17-20, 2021)
- Utilize IRE data services
- Receive a one-year IRE membership
- Set up monthly video calls with his/her mentor network for one year, or until the project is complete, whichever comes first, to discuss the project’s progress
The fellow would be encouraged to do the following after the fellowship concludes:
- Serve as part of a mentor network
- Serve on fellowship selection committee
- Renew IRE membership
Eligibility
- U.S. journalists of color who want to improve their investigative skills.
- Applicants should have at least three years of post-college work experience.
- Applicants should be currently working with a supportive news organization or working as an independent journalist.
- Applicants who can propose a well-developed project who would benefit from the training and mentoring.
- Students are not eligible.
Application
The following materials are needed for application:
- An investigative reporting project idea that benefits his/her community.
- Links to three work samples.
- Link to LinkedIn page or resume.
- Link to letter of support from supervisor/management stating the newsroom/management will allow the fellow time to work on the project and time to attend all required IRE trainings included in the fellowship. In addition, the letter should serve as a recommendation letter. For independent journalists, the letter should serve as a recommendation letter.
For more information, visit IRE Fellowship.
