HBCU Student Journalism Network

HBCU Student Journalism Network is sponsored by Open Campus (supported by John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and the Scripps Howard Fund).

This paid reporting fellowship offers professional development and fosters coverage of historically Black colleges and universities by HBCU students. Fellows focus on covering their campuses for regional and national audiences.

Open Campus to create student reporting fellowship to expand coverage of HBCUs - Open Campus We're an independent nonprofit covering higher education as a local story — embedding reporters in communities across America. Practical intelligence for local leaders on the biggest change to financial aid in years.

Certificate Earnings Explorer See what people earned four years after getting a certificate at 5,600 different programs around the nation. Photo: Eric J.

Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America Open Campus is partnering with Jarrett Carter Sr., a veteran journalist and the founder of HBCU Digest, to create the HBCU Student Journalism Network, a paid reporting fellowship offering professional development and fostering coverage of historically Black colleges and universities. The network, supported by philanthropic grants from the John S. and James L.

Knight Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and the Scripps Howard Fund, will offer training, diversify the talent pool, and bring additional journalistic attention to an important part of American higher education.

Since creating HBCU Digest in 2009, Carter has built the online publication into a resource for coverage of the economic, cultural, political, and industrial factors impacting historically Black institutions nationwide. The Student Journalist Network combines his expertise with the national reach and mission-oriented journalism of Open Campus.

“I am truly excited to partner with Open Campus in developing a pipeline of student journalists from HBCUs who will expand reporting on these invaluable institutions,” said Carter, who will serve as the editorial director of the project. “There is no better area than higher education to help emerging writers find their voices and hone their skills in journalism.

” Up to six paid reporting fellows will be selected for the inaugural class starting in January 2023. These current HBCU students will focus on covering their campuses for regional and national audiences while exploring the trends affecting the entire sector.

“Historically Black colleges play critical roles in students’ lives and in American society, but few journalists focus on how well these important players are fulfilling their public missions,” said Sara Hebel, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Open Campus. “We’re excited to work with student fellows to provide knowing, on-the-ground coverage that can help inform and advance the national conversation.

” Students with some journalism experience and an interest in writing about HBCUs for a national audience are encouraged to apply. Fellows will receive stipends of $1,200 per month for 10-15 hours of work each week. More details on applying for the fellowship.

Have ideas? Questions? Get in touch at hbcu@opencampusmedia.

org.