Journalism Fellowships in Child and Family Policy

Frequently asked questions

Who should apply?

Fellowships are open to journalists who handle any aspect of news coverage involving children and families.

Reporters who cover education, health or social services are likely candidates; so are their supervisors. But they're not the only journalists whose beats overlap with child/family issues. Youth athletics, academics and health intersect on the sports beat. Family finances, marketing practices and work/family issues involve business. Shifts in demographics, housing and land use touch metro, suburban and state desks. And all are fair game for opinion writers.

Journalists who cover early childhood and minority populations especially are encouraged to apply.

Of course, all applicants must meet the basic eligibility requirements: at least three years of professional experience in print, broadcast or online journalism. Applicants also must be employed by, or regularly freelance for, a U.S.-based news organization.

What are the conference dates and sites?

Fellows will participate in two conferences.

The fall seminar will take place Sept. 28-Oct. 1, from 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday evening, at the Inn and Conference Center on the University of Maryland 's College Park campus. It's roughly 10 miles northeast of the U.S. Capitol.

The winter gathering will be Dec. 4-7, a Sunday through Wednesday, at a hotel in downtown Washington , D.C.

Fellows receiving support for projects will coordinate their schedules with the program director. Project work ideally will be undertaken in the fall but can begin any time after the fellow's selection. It must be completed by March 31, 2006 . Fellows provide updates to the director at least every two weeks.

Will I be able to continue working during the fellowship?

During conferences, fellows generally will not be available for daily assignments. They'll face a rigorous schedule of briefings and journalism training. In addition, the jam-packed agenda typically provides an afternoon for independent research and/or reporting. Fellows report back to the group with their findings. Stipends depend on participation in all briefings and workshops.

Fellows doing projects attend the September and December conferences. For the set time outlined in their proposal, they are expected to focus exclusively on the project. Fellows coordinate their schedule with the director and give weekly updates on their work. Project work can begin any time after the fellow's selection but must be completed by March 31, 2006.

Employers are encouraged to make up any difference in compensation.

When would I receive stipends?

Fellows participating in conferences alone will receive a $250 stipend after each gathering, for a total of $500. Those undertaking projects will receive an additional $7,000, in several increments over the course of the project.

Employers are encouraged to make up any difference in compensation.

From whom should I seek a letter of recommendation?

A supervisor or other person with a thorough knowledge of you and your work will be able to provide the most convincing case for your selection. Nominating letters should speak to your skills and abilities, your assignments, and how you, the news organization and audience might benefit from a fellowship. Nominating letters must be current.

What is the timetable for choosing fellows?

Applications for the next class must be postmarked by March 5, but early responses are encouraged. The board of advisers will meet soon after the application deadline to select fellows. Applicants will be notified of the selection decisions by early May.

Queries about fellowships are welcome at any time.